Tidal computation in the Gulf of California I.

Abstract

The tidal phenomena that takes place in the Gulf of California is of a great importance due to the big amplitudes in the northern part. Besides, the coupling with internal modes and the gravitational deflection of the bottom make the tidal study of importance. The tidal drive can be taken into account by two fundamentally different mechanisms; a) the tide generating forces and b) the peripherical oscilation with the Pacific Ocean. The method described here can take into account both mechanisms and also, it does not require neglecting non-linear terms. In this paper the M² tidal constituent is computed for the Gulf as the first trial of the method. The results are compared with observed data.