Two-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of Water Circulation along the Coast of Trang Province

Abstract

Investigating marine hydrodynamics along the Andaman Sea coast poses a significant challenge due to data limitations, which hinder a precise understanding of marine larvae transport and settlement patterns. To address this gap, this study aims to simulate hydrodynamics along the coast of Trang Province, focusing on two-dimensional water circulation to support effective aquatic resource management. The simulation results indicate that coastal sea circulation patterns are primarily influenced by tides, monsoons, and runoff. During flood currents, the average current flows toward the coast to the northeast of the study area, while during ebb currents, it shifts southwest. Additionally, variations in monsoon winds significantly influence surface currents; during the southwest monsoon, the currents are notably stronger, moving toward the northeastern to eastern coastline than usual. In contrast, during the northeast monsoon, surface currents distinctly shift away from the coastline toward the southwest to south of the study area. It was also observed that the average monthly current during each monsoon period is regulated by the flow entering the Malacca Strait. Consequently, the mean current at the model ‘s open boundary uniformly flows northwest, where it colides with the downstream flow from the north of the study area. This interaction redirects the current westward. The southern region of the study area, particularly the eastern coastal area, is influenced by runoff from the Trang River and the Palian River. The current in this area exhibits a clockwise eddy current south of Koh Libong and west of Koh Sukorn.