Parametrization of the Tidal Effect for Use in the Noah Land-Surface Model: Development and Validation

Abstract

We have developed a parametrization of tidal effects for use in the Noah land-surface model and have validated the land-surface model using observations taken over a tidal flat of the western coast of South Korea. The parametrization is based on the energy budget of a water layer with varying thickness above the soil. During flood tide, heat transfer by the moving water is considered in addition to the surface energy budget. In addition, partial penetration of solar radiation through the water layer is considered in the surface energy budget, and the water thickness varying with time is used as an additional input. Seven days with clear-sky conditions and westerly winds during the daytime are selected for validation of the model. Two simulations are performed in an offline mode: a control simulation without the tidal effect (CONTROL) and a simulation with the tidal effect (TIDE). Comparisons of results have been made with eddy-covariance measurements and soil temperature data for the tidal flats. Observations show that inundation significantly reduces both sensible and latent heat fluxes during daytime, which is well simulated in the TIDE simulation. The diurnal variation and magnitude of soil temperature are better simulated in the TIDE than in the CONTROL simulation. Some underestimation of the latent heat flux over the water surface is partly attributed to the use of one layer of water and the underestimated roughness length at this site. In addition, other model deficiencies are discussed.