Harmonic Analysis in the Simulation of Multiple Constituents: Determination of the Optimum Length of Time Series

Abstract

AbstractTo investigate the optimum length of time series (TS) for harmonic analysis (HA) in the simulation of multiple constituents, a two-dimensional tidal model is used to simulate the M2, S2, K1, and O1 constituents in the Bohai and Yellow Seas. By analyzing the HA results of several nonoverlapping TS of the same length, which varies from 15 to 365 days, a field-average deviation of HA results is calculated. A deviation that is sufficiently small means that HA results are independent of the choice of TS, and the corresponding TS length is regarded as the optimum. Results indicate that the range of 180–195 days is the optimum length of TS for HA in the simulation of the four principal constituents. To investigate what determines the optimum length, experiments with different computed area and model settings are carried out. Results indicate that the optimum length is independent of advection, nodal corrections, and computed area, and only depends on bottom friction. Nonlinear bottom friction results in the appearance of higher harmonics and explains why the optimum length of TS for HA is 180–195 days.