Three-dimensional modeling of the Ruwais Coastal area of United Arab Emirates

The coastal flow pattern around a coastal industrial compound in United Arab Emirates has been studied using a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. The study area is 264 km² and is partially sheltered from the open sea by salt marshes and islands. Such configuration increases the risk of marine pollution near the industrial site. The region is ecologically diversified and therefore understanding the physical dynamics of the area is important for any assessment work on the impact of industrial and port operations. The utilized model has a size of 232 × 164 and employs a curvilinear sigma grid system. The setup is nested inside a regional model that covered the entire Arabian Gulf. A k - L module estimates the depth variation of the turbulence field. The model is calibrated against the water level and current data. A sensitivity analysis is done for different wind conditions. The results show that a mean current is developed due to tidal action in the deeper section of the coastal basin. Dominant winds develop eastward coastal currents. The daily mean water level of the area has dropped during spring tide. A tracer simulation study shows that the tracer field oscillates between east and west in conjunction with the neap and spring tides with northward net displacement.