7.2 Salinity
7.2.2 Description
A range of salinity models are available to support simulation of salt movement and potentially its impact on hydrodynamics via baroclinic (density driven) processes. The salinity model is typically deployed in settings such as estuaries and the coastal ocean. Salinity simulation is activated using the
Supported salinity model implementations are summarised in Table 7.1, with links to the relevant implementation sections below. Commands are listed in Table 7.2.
| Model Implementation | Description |
|---|---|
| None | Disables salinity simulation. |
| Barotropic | Simulates salinity as a passive tracer without density feedback. |
| Baroclinic | Simulates salinity with density coupling (baroclinic effects). |
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| Include Salinity | Optional - Activates salinity simulation and optionally density coupling using active and baroclinic flags. |
7.2.3 None
This model is the default and excludes the simulation of salinity.
7.2.4 Barotropic
This model includes the simulation of salinity as a passive tracer.
7.2.5 Baroclinic
This model includes the simulation of salinity and has it contribute to density calculations. It is typically used in estuaries and the coastal ocean where salt and fresh water masses (which are characterised by different salinities and therefore densities) interact. Simulation of estuarine salt wedge propagation is one such application.