Tidal and Seasonal Variability Circulation Patterns in the Coral Reef System, Berau Continental Shelf, East Kalimantan

Abstract: The present study examines tidal and seasonal circulation dynamics in the coral reefs, Berau Continental Shelf, East Kalimantan which exist multiple reef passages by using analysis field data and a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. The predicted M2 tidal currents, velocities, salinity profiles and sea surface elevation show a good agreement with observed. The model results demonstrate the reef-scale circulation patterns on tidal to monsoonal variation. On the seasonal timescale, the circulation patterns strongly reflect the Monsoon seasonality. The coral reefs exposed by river plume when southwesterly wind prevailed. In this period, the vertical structure of salinity displays a thin stratified water column. The velocity profiles exhibit a classical estuarine circulation with outflow at the top layer and inflow at the bottom layer. For the tidal periods, the tidal currents present complex structures at the reef passages and exhibit the tidal eddies generated by irregularities reef (More)