HB340 Water Levels and Flow (3ECTS)

This module introduces the physical principles that generate tides and explains how harmonic constituents, tidal types, and amphidromic systems shape global tidal behaviour. Students learn to interpret cotidal charts, tidal levels, and the functioning, installation, and use of various water-level gauges across riverine, coastal, and offshore environments. The module also examines the relationship between tides and tidal streams, including field measurement techniques for currents. Practical skills are developed through predicting water levels using tide tables and numerical models, while accounting for meteorological and hydrological influences such as pressure, wind, seiches, and dam operations. Relevant publications and case studies consolidate the theoretical and applied components.

1. Description of the forces generating tides (static and dynamic theory).

2. Description of the major harmonic constituents. Identification and recognition of the different types of tides.

3. Explanation of the concept of amphidromic points and cotidal charts.

4. Definition of the different tidal levels.

5. Explanation of the working principles of different types of water level gauges and poles. Describe the characteristics of river, coastal and offshore water level gauges. Description of the installation and operation of water level gauges and poles

6. Description of the relation between flow and tides. Definition of rectilinear and rotary tidal streams and related elements. Field measurements for tidal flow and currents, including log ship, pole and current meters.

7. Prediction of water levels for main and secondary ports, using tide tables. Calculate water level at a particular time, and/or calculate the time at which a specific height will occur.

8. Application of cotidal chart information.

9. Compute tidal predictions using numerical models.

10. Description of the temporal and spatial effects on water level caused by: atmospheric pressure, wind, seiches, and precipitation. Identification of water level variations occurring in rivers and lakes and due to dam operations.

11. Publications & Case studies

Fundamental knowledge of tides, tide prediction and use of in the information obtained.

Knowledge about tidal fundamentals and their origin, the use of data and information.

• Evaluation form

Examination is performed by means of a written examen. 3 to 5 questions are presented covering all different aspects of the course. Each question is given a quotation, and a weighing factor used to calculate the final result.