3D/2D Modelling Suite For Integral Water Solutions: User Manual
3D/2D Modelling Suite For Integral Water Solutions: User Manual
Delft3D
TIDE
User Manual
Delft3D-TIDE
User Manual
Hydro-Morphodynamics
Version: 5.00
SVN Revision: 52614
October 1, 2017
Delft3D-TIDE, User Manual
Contents
List of Figures vii
2 Introduction to Delft3D-TIDE 5
2.1 Global description of the sub-systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 How to install the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Getting started 7
3.1 Delft3D-TIDE as Delft3D module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Getting into Delft3D-FLOW and Delft3D-TIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3 Exiting Delft3D-TIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.4 Exiting Delft3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4 Menu options 13
4.1 File menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1.1 Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1.2 Quit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2 Subsystem menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2.1 Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2.2 Prediction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2.2.1 Prediction GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.2.2 Prediction Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.3 High/Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2.3.1 High/Low GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2.3.2 High/Low Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2.4 Ascon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.2.5 Fourier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2.5.1 Standard Fourier Transform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2.5.2 Fast Fourier Transform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.3 Help menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.3.1 User Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.3.2 About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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6 Graphics 41
7 Tutorial 43
7.1 ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.1.1 Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.1.2 Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.1.3 Example 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7.1.4 Example 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7.2 PREDICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7.2.1 Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7.2.2 Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.3 HILOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.3.1 Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.3.2 Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.3.3 Example 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.4 ASCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.4.1 Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.4.2 Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.5 FOURIER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.5.1 Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.5.2 Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7.5.3 Example 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
8 Conceptual description 49
8.1 Mathematical representation of the tide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
8.2 Tidal current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
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Contents
References 57
C Filename conventions 85
C.1 ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
C.2 PREDICT-GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
C.3 PREDICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
C.4 HILOW-GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
C.5 HILOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
C.6 ASCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
C.7 FOURIER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
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List of Figures
List of Figures
3.1 Splash window of Delft3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Main window Delft3D-MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 Selection window for Hydrodynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.4 Select working directory window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.5 Select specific working directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.6 Current working directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.7 Additional tools for the Delft3D-FLOW module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.8 Main window of Delft3D-TIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.9 Menu toolbar, option File → Quit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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viii Deltares
1 Guide to this manual
1.1 Introduction
This User Manual concerns the tidal analysis module, Delft3D-TIDE, of the Delft3D software
suite.
To make this manual more accessible we will briefly describe the contents of each chapter
and appendix.
If this is your first time to start working with Delft3D-TIDE we suggest you to read and practice
the getting started of chapter 3 and the tutorial of chapter 7. These chapters explain the user
interface options and guide you through the definition of your first calculation.
Chapter 3: Getting started, explains the use of the overall menu program, which gives
access to the Delft3D-TIDE module.
Chapter 4: Menu options, provides the description of the different menu options on the main
menu of Delft3D-TIDE.
Chapter 6: Graphics, list the post-processing tools from the Delft3D suite which can be used
in relation with Delft3D-TIDE.
Chapter 7: Tutorial, emphasis at giving you some first hands-on experience in using the
several modules of Delft3D-TIDE.
References, provides a list of publications and related material on the Delft3D-TIDE module.
Appendix A: Input file formats, gives a description of the input file formats of the subsystems
ANALYSIS, PREDICT, HILOW and ASCON.
Appendix C: Filename conventions, the required file name convention for each subsystem
of Delft3D-TIDE is given.
Appendix D: Messages from Delft3D-TIDE, the error, warning and informative messages
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Appendix E: Content of the TIDE tutorial cases, the content of the tutorials for Delft3D-
TIDE is given in this appendix.
Example Description
“27 08 1999” Data to be typed by you into the input fields are dis-
played between double quotes.
Selections of menu items, option boxes etc. are de-
scribed as such: for instance ‘select Save and go to
the next window’.
[m s−1 ] [−] Units are given between square brackets when used
next to the formulae. Leaving them out might result in
misinterpretation.
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Guide to this manual
Version Description
1.0 5 header lines were expected in all input files, without any restriction to the first
character of each header line.
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2 Introduction to Delft3D-TIDE
In most continental shelf seas, coastal seas and estuarine areas the astronomical tide is the
main driving force of the water motion. At times equally important is the motion induced by
meteorological phenomena like wind and storms. Consequently, for almost all activities along
the coast and offshore, a sound knowledge and understanding of the behaviour of water level
and current is required. Tidal analysis and tidal prediction are of great help in this.
Local water level or current registrations of at least one month can be analysed to separate the
astronomical part from the meteorologically induced part of the observation. The so obtained
tidal constants fully determine the local tide, and can be used to predict the astronomical water
level or current, respectively, for any period in the past or future.
Deltares program system Delft3D-TIDE has been especially designed to perform tidal anal-
ysis and tidal prediction for various complicated situations. It has been used extensively in
numerous studies at more than 400 locations world-wide.
It includes a general introduction on how to run the system, a step by step description of
the input file(s), how to interpret the output files and remedies, a list of error messages and
warnings including explanations is given in Appendix D.
For plotting relevant output files (time-series as well as spectral series) we refer to the graphi-
cal programs GPP (GPP UM, 2013) and Delft3D-QUICKPLOT (QUICKPLOT UM, 2013).
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3 Getting started
After a short while the main window of the Delft3D-MENU appears, Figure 3.2.
Whether or not you may have support on Delft3D modules, depends on the support con-
tract you have.
The window will be closed and you are back in the Windows Desk Top screen for PCs or on
the command line for Linux.
Remark:
In this and the following chapters several windows are shown to illustrate the presen-
tation of Delft3D-MENU and Delft3D-TIDE. These windows are grabbed from the PC-
platform. For Linux workstations the content of the windows is the same, but the colours
may be different.
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Next the selection window for Hydrodynamics (including morphology) is displayed for
preparing a flow or flow/wave input, to execute a computation in foreground or in batch, to
inspect the report files with information on the execution and to visualise the results: Fig-
ure 3.2. Delft3D-TIDE is part of the additional tools.
Before continuing with any of the selections of this Hydrodynamics (including morphology)
window, you must select the directory in which you are going to prepare scenarios and execute
computations:
Next the Select working directory window, Figure 3.4, is displayed (your current directory
may differ, depending on the location of your Delft3D installation).
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Getting started
Figure 3.5: Select working directory window to set the working directory to
<tide\analysis\example_1>
Next the Hydrodynamics (including morphology) window is re-displayed, but now the
changed current working directory is displayed in the title bar, see Figure 3.6.
Remark:
In case you want to start a new project for which no directory exists yet, you can select
in the Select working directory window to create a new directory.
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In this guided tour through Delft3D-TIDE we limit ourselves to the point where you start
Delft3D-TIDE. Hence:
The additional tools for Delft3D-FLOW are verifying the input file, nesting (Delft3D-NESTHD
1 and Delft3D-NESTHD 2), tidal analysis of Delft3D-FLOW time-series (Delft3D-TRIANA),
tidal analysis and prediction of tides (Delft3D-TIDE), data selection from NEFIS file, linear
integration and volume integration, see Figure 3.7.
To start Delft3D-TIDE:
Select TIDE.
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Getting started
You will be back in the Additional tools window of the Delft3D-MENU program, Figure 3.7.
Click Return
You will be back in the Hydrodynamics (including morphology) window of the Delft3D-
MENU program, Figure 3.3.
The window is closed and the control is returned to the desk top or the command line.
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In this Getting Started session you have learned to access the Delft3D-TIDE module as part
of the Delft3D-FLOW module.
We encourage users next to read chapter 5 and practice with the tutorial examples given in
chapter 7.
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4 Menu options
The menu bar contains the items File, Subsystem and Help, see Figure 4.1, each item is
discussed in a separate section.
4.1.1 Open
Upon selecting File → Open, you can open the input files of a subsystem of Delft3D-TIDE.
The file selection filters are dependent on the chosen subsystem.
4.1.2 Quit
Upon selecting File → Quit the Delft3D-TIDE program will close.
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4.2.1 Analysis
When selecting Subsystem → Analysis the program to analyse time-series is selected, but
first (if needed) the file open window will appear to select the appropriated input files. To start
the time series analysis, press the button Start Analysis, see Figure 4.4.
4.2.2 Prediction
The subsystem Prediction, to compute the astronomic predictions, consist of two systems,
1 a Graphical User Interface, and
2 a computational core to perform the calculation,
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Menu options
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4.2.3 High/Low
The subsystem High/Low, to compute the high and low water time tables consist of two sys-
tems,
1 a Graphical User Interface, and
2 a computational core to perform the calculation,
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Menu options
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4.2.4 Ascon
When selecting Subsystem → Ascon the program to analyse time-series is selected, but first
(if needed) the file open window appear to select the appropriated input files. To start the
calculation of the astronomic constants, press the button Start Ascon, see Figure 4.11.
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Menu options
4.2.5 Fourier
Two Fourier methods are available to analyse series, you can choose between a Standard
Fourier Transform (SFT) or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method, see Figure 4.12.
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4.3.2 About
When clicking on the Help → About, a window will display the current version number of
Delft3D-TIDE.
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5 General operation of the Delft3D-TIDE subsystems
5.1 ANALYSIS
A rather extensive theoretical background of tidal analysis is given in section 8.3. Special
features are discussed in section 8.4. It is advised to refresh your knowledge — if needed —
by reading these sections.
ANALYSIS operates in a file oriented way. That means that you have to prepare your input files
before you can start the system successfully. From the data on the input files the computa-
tional process starts, resulting in a number of output files. The print file with a complete report
of the computation provides you with an impression of the results. For file name conventions,
see Appendix C.
ANALYSIS needs input data from two files, the input data file (with the required extension
<ina>) and the file with observations (with the required extension <obs>), the file descrip-
tions are given in section A.1. Here we expect both input files to be ready for use.
Select Subsystem → Analysis, see Figure 5.1.
If the input files are not yet selected the open file dialog is opened, with the appropriate file
filters for the input and observation data, otherwise select the menu option File → Open. The
actual sub-system is shown in the window title, see Figure 5.2.
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Figure 5.2: Overview of input and output files for sub-system Analysis
Note: Be aware that the input files must satisfy the default extensions as defined for Analysis
input files. When this is not the case, please rename the files.
At any time the filenames of the selected input files and the names of the output files are
shown, as derived from the name of the input file <∗.ina>. See subsection 5.1.3 and Fig-
ure 5.2.
Press the button Start Analysis.
After starting the sub-system the progress will be displayed by the Progress Monitor, see
Figure 5.3. At the end of the run a report of the number of warnings and/or fatal errors is
shown. For an explanation of these warnings/errors, please browse your print file.
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General operation of the Delft3D-TIDE subsystems
As a result of a ANALYSIS computation the processed output files will contain the major
characteristics of the performed tidal analysis as well as the tidal station and tidal series itself.
The header lines are directly followed by the data. As the data are read free-formatted there
are no conditions with respect to the lay out of the data part of the file. The number of
observations per line (a line is a record) is free.
Remark:
The input file <∗.ina> must have at east one line with the ’+’-sign.
The unit of the observations (meter, centimetre, inches) is free. We advise to choose cen-
timetres as the unit for observations, since the number of printed decimal digits for the results
is fixed. So, for centimetres the printed results are actually more accurate.
Remark:
Never use a ’+’ sign to indicate positive values. It is possible that the record containing
this value is identified as a header line. A value without a sign is identified as a positive
value.
ANALYSIS enables you to define sub-series for the tidal series on this file. This is important
if the series contains gaps or sections with unreliable data, see the description of the input
data file in section A.1. The parts between the sub-series, the so-called gaps, are excluded
from the computation. Be aware that there is no guarantee that your input specification au-
tomatically agrees with the sub-series itself. If start and end time for sub-series are specified
incorrectly, it may happen that the input specification for the sub-series is inconsistent with the
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sub-series of the data on the observations file. As a consequence of this, parts of the (unreli-
able) gaps will be involved in the harmonic analysis. In order to prevent this we strongly advise
to fill the gaps with unrealistic values, e.g. 99999, enabling the system to check whether parts
of gaps are involved in the harmonic analysis. (actually each value bigger than 1000 will sat-
isfy) Detection of these unrealistic values will cause the system to abort with an error-message
ERROR 21. See the list of messages, section D.1.
You may also find some error and/or warning messages as a result of a thorough checks on
the consistency of the set of input parameters, see section D.1.
Next, the print file continues with a printout of the date-time (from the input file) for the tidal
series H(1 : N ), read from the observation file <∗.obs>, plus an echo of the number of
observations.
This is followed by the results. These are printed per instrument and sub-series. For each
instrument and sub-series a table is given with, for each tidal component, the astronomical
arguments V0 + u and F for the middle time point of the instrument or sub-series, as com-
puted by the system. This table (or these tables) is followed by a table of the computed tidal
amplitudes and phases for the selected set of components.
Notice that there may be a slight difference between the input date-time groups for instruments
and sub-series and the printed results. This results from the fact that the computational pro-
cess requires that the number of observations per instrument or sub-series is odd, which may
lead to disappearance of the last observation.
After the table with computed amplitudes and phases you find the computed parameters V V 1
and V V 2. They are a measure for the standard deviation of the analysis and are computed
in fully independent ways. These two parameters should be (almost) equal for all the printed
digits. That is a guarantee for an accurate numerical solution of the amplitudes and phases.
A difference in the last printed digit is allowed. When there is a significant difference between
V V 1 and V V 2 the matrix of normal equations will be added automatically to the print file
for a some insight in the numerical process. For most applications the numerical process is
sufficiently stable in that it will result in an accurate solution with V V 1 = V V 2. If there
is a significant difference between these two parameters, first check your input. There may
be errors or inconsistencies in the set of input parameters which will cause the difference
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General operation of the Delft3D-TIDE subsystems
between V V 1 and V V 2.
The standard deviation represents an estimate for the standard deviation of the residues, that
is, the difference of observation and hindcast over the period of analysis. It gives an indication
how well the hindcast fits the observed data.
Recapitulating, from V V 1 and V V 2 conclusions can be drawn about the numerical accuracy
of the solution in terms of the numerical solution method used. The standard deviation indi-
cates how well the mathematical model with the selected set of components fits the provided
data (observations).
If you choose the option that provides an accuracy analysis for the computed results a table
of estimated mean errors per tidal component (in terms of cosines and sines, see subsec-
tion 8.4.5) will be printed. Ideally the mean errors should have roughly equal magnitude.
Components with strongly differing mean errors normally appear in pairs, indicating that the
Rayleigh criterion is violated so they could not be resolved independently. You should either
apply astronomical coupling of the two, or remove one of them, if coupling is not possible.
Depending on the options chosen, a table with results on the auto-correlation of the residues
is next. Ideally, the time-series of the residue will behave like white noise. From the statistical
parameters in this table conclusions can be drawn how well the frequency spectrum of the
residue corresponds to the ideal white noise.
The print file concludes with a report giving the dynamic memory usage, an error report and a
file-report. From the report on memory usage you can derive the memory words for dynamic
storage that were unused. This may be useful information when you are considering a rerun
with more components and/or more observations.
The component file <∗.cmp> consists of two blocks of results, one block with results per
instrument and the second block with information per sub-series. In the instruments block you
will find the time step and the mean level of the observations, which are computed for each
instrument separately. If computed (IN F O(4) = 1), the linear trend for the instrument will
be added to this block. The block for sub-series contains one or more tables with the computed
amplitudes and phases as well as the applied astronomical arguments V0 + u and F . These
arguments hold for the middle time point of the series and consequently vary per sub-series.
Note that one single set of tidal amplitudes and phases is determined, independent of the
number of instruments or sub-series. For an explanation of these parameters we refer to the
general introduction in section 8.1.
Remark:
The component file with extension CMP can also be used to prepare input files for the
Prediction sub-system by making use of the FileSelector (see subsection 5.1.1).
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Next, you will find the time-series of the computed hindcast. The hindcast is the time-series
computed on the basis of the tidal amplitudes and phases that have just been determined.
The time-series for the hindcast is computed for the same time period as the tidal series on
the <∗.obs> file is defined, so from date-time begin (TB) until date-time end (TE).
This header is followed by the time-series of the computed residues. The residues are defined
as observations minus hindcasts. The time period for the residues is the same as for the tidal
series from the <∗.obs> file, so from date-time begin (TB) until date-time end (TE).
This file contains the time-series of time, hindcast, observation and residue in the format that
is needed for presentation using Delft3D-QUICKPLOT or GPP. The time-series on this file are
in original form or corrected for mean, depending on the choice for input parameter INFO(1).
You do not need any knowledge about the contents of this file: the formats are set according
to the requirements of the Delft3D-QUICKPLOT or GPP systems. Keep in mind that you need
this file if you want to do graphics.
5.1.4 Restrictions
In this section we give a complete list of the restrictions of ANALYSIS.
5.2 PREDICT
The formula for astronomical tide prediction is:
k
X
H(t) = A0 + Ai Fi cos (ωi t + (V0 + u)i − Gi ) (5.1)
i=1
in which:
H(t) predicted water level at time t
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General operation of the Delft3D-TIDE subsystems
The values for A0 , Ai and Gi for the selected constituents are input variables. The system
computes V0 + u and F for each constituent (for the period of prediction). Output is a time-
series H(t).
The User Interface will pop up. To set the sub-system to PREDICT:
PREDICT operates in a file oriented way. That means that input files have to be prepared
before you can start the system successfully. You can prepare an input file either by editing
an already existing PREDICT input file ’by hand’ or — in the case predictions have to be
prepared with sets of tidal constants resulting from a former ANALYSIS run — by making
use of the built-in PREDICT GUI. On the basis of the data on the input file with required mask
<∗.inp> the computational process proceeds. After completion of the computation, a number
of output files have been produced. The print file <∗.prp> contains a complete report of the
computation and provides you with a good impression of the results. The PREDICT GUI may
be very useful while preparing a PREDICT input file on the basis of results of a former tidal
analysis with ANALYSIS.
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The PREDICT GUI extracts necessary information from the pertaining <∗.ina> file and
<∗.cmp> file from ANALYSIS in order to create an input file for PREDICT. This sub-system
starts an interactive dialogue and is highly self-explanatory. You are led step by step through
the system; many pages of useful help texts will be shown on the screen.
For the preparation of an input file for PREDICT, some extra data are needed. The interactive
dialogue proceeds as follows:
In the PREDICT GUI you can define a new unit for prediction. For example, the tidal analysis
was done in centimetres, but you prefer tidal prediction in meters. For the new unit, the sub-
system automatically computes the correct scaling for the tidal constituents. Available units
for water levels are centimetres, meters, inches and decimal feet (e.g. 4.1 feet). For velocities
corresponding units are available.
Note: Be aware that the input file should satisfy the default extension as defined for PREDICT
input files. If not, please rename the files.
At any time the filenames for the selected input files, can be read as displayed on the main
window. In addition the names of the output files are shown, as derived from the name of the
input file <∗.inp>, applying the default extensions for result files. See subsection 5.2.3 and
Figure 5.5.
After starting the sub-system the progress will be displayed by the Progress Monitor, see
Figure 5.6. At the end of the run a report of the number of warnings and/or fatal errors is
shown. For an explanation of these warnings/errors, please browse your print file.
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General operation of the Delft3D-TIDE subsystems
Figure 5.5: Overview of input and output files for sub-system PREDICT
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The print file will continue with the computed time frames for the sub-series. This is followed
by the presentation of the results per sub-series. For each sub-series a table of the computed
astronomical arguments V0 + u and the nodal factor Fi for the given set of components is
printed, all relative to the middle time point of the sub-series. This is followed by the computed
time-series for the prediction for that sub-series. The print file ends with a table of computed
minima and maxima per sub-series.
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5.2.4 Restrictions
Below, a list of restrictions of PREDICT is given.
There is no explicit restriction on the length of the time period for which predictions can be
made in one computation (apart from the first restriction). If the Prediction GUI is used,
however, the length of the period to predict is limited to 100 months (100 sub-series of 1
month).
5.3 HILOW
For convenience we refer to the introduction on Tide Tables, see section 8.6.
The User Interface will pop up. To set the sub-system to HILOW:
Like the other sub-systems, HILOW operates in a file oriented way. That means that input
files have to be prepared before you can start the system successfully. You can prepare an
input file either by editing an already existing HILOW input file ’by hand’ or — in the case tide
tables have to be prepared with results of a former ANALYSIS or PREDICT run — by making
use of the built-in HILOW GUI, see subsubsection 5.3.1.1. On the basis of the data on the
input files the computational process is started. At completion one single output (print) file
has been created. Besides the actual results, this output file can provide you with a complete
interpretation of the input (Input Interpretation Report), if needed. For filename conventions,
see Appendix C.
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In order to run the HILOW GUI first make this sub-system the active sub-system by selecting
option Subsystem → High/Low → GUI from the menu bar.
The GUI can operate in two modes, either from an input file from ANALYSIS or an input file
from PREDICT. The HILOW GUI extracts necessary information from the <∗.ina> file or the
<∗.inp> file from a PREDICT run in order to create an input file for HILOW.
For loading the input file, select File→ Open from the menu bar. A file selection window pops
up from which the input file is selected.
Note: The operation mode of High/Low is dependent on the file extension, either <∗.ina>
or <∗.inp>.
To start the High/Low GUI subsystem press the button Start High/Low GUI.
The sub-system starts an interactive dialogue and is highly self-explanatory. You are led step
by step through the system.
1 Using ANALYSIS files for generating hilow-tables for <∗.obs> files or <∗.hdc> (obs =
observed and hdc = hindcast)
The HILOW input file is a copy of the ANALYSIS input file. As extra the first file needs to be
extended with block filter parameters in order to remove the non-astronomical extremes
from the tidal series. The HILOW GUI screens whether or not in the supplied <∗.ina>
file (from tidal analysis) the block filter parameters are present. If not, the block filter
parameters can be selected from a menu. Defaults can be selected by RETURN. Input by
you is validated for the legal range. The selected block filter parameters are added on the
newly created input file for HILOW.
2 Using PREDICT files for generating HILOW-tables for <∗.prd>-files (= predict files)
The HILOW input file will be generated starting from a PREDICT input file. At the end
the needed block filter parameters are asked for (see above). Since the predicted time-
series is purely determined by the supplied tidal constituents, resulting in a smooth be-
haviour, you are advised to select for the block filter parameters the indicated defaults
(press RETURN).
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Figure 5.8: Overview of input and output files for sub-system HILOW
In order to run HILOW first make this sub-system the active sub-system by selecting option
Subsystem → High/Low → Calculation from the menu bar. The required input files should
be loaded from the File → Open menu.
Note: Be aware that the input files should satisfy the default extension as defined for HILOW
input files. If not, please rename the files.
The selected filenames are listed in the TIDE - High/Low water window. The names of the
output files are shown, as derived from the name of the input file <∗.inh>, applying the default
extensions for result files. See subsection 5.3.3 and Figure 5.8.
By pressing the button Start High/Low the subsystem will start. After starting the subsystem
the progress will be displayed by the Progress Monitor, see Figure 5.9. At the end of the
run report the number of warning and/or fatal errors is shown. For an explanation of these
warnings/errors, please browse your print file.
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The input file for HILOW is identical to the input file of ANALYSIS. It is therefore possible to
use the same input file for both the ANALYSIS and the HILOW computation. The header lines
of the input file of ANALYSIS, however, may contain specific information about that ANALYSIS
run. It is therefore advised to use the HILOW GUI to copy the input file of an ANALYSIS
run to the input file of a HILOW run, because during the input processing a step is included
to change the header lines in the input file from specific ANALYSIS information to specific
HILOW information. For a description of the HILOW input file see section A.3.
The print file <∗.prh> first gives an exact echo of the input data file. Next, the Input Interpre-
tation Report is printed. This part may be interrupted by error messages, for example when
built-in limitations of the software are violated, or if the set of input parameters is inconsistent.
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Finally the computed tide tables are printed, <∗.hlw>. These have the form of well-structured
tables for times and values of High Waters (HW) and Low Waters (LW). Next to the dates, a
number is printed. This equals the number of hours elapsed until 0:00 hours that day. Each
year at 1 January 0:00 hours this value is reset to zero.
5.3.4 Restrictions
HILOW is subject to five restrictions. Here, restrictions are only listed for the relevant input
data on the input data file.
1 The time-series must lie between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 2049.
2 The maximum number of data in the processed time-series equals 18 000 (Nobs ≤ 18 000).
Note: that processing one full year of half-hourly data (2*8 760/2*8 784 values), or a half
year of 15 minute data, does not pose any problems.
3 The maximum number of instruments equals 10.
4 The maximum number of sub-series equals 10.
Remark:
Restrictions 5 to 9 of subsection 5.1.4, ANALYSIS, also apply. When preparing an
input file specifically for the HILOW computation or using the HILOW GUI, you will not
confront these restrictions (no coupling, 1 component only, no very short sub-series).
5.4 ASCON
The present sub-system calculates the frequencies and the time dependent astronomical
arguments V0 + u and F for any or all of the 234 internally available constituents and for any
number of date-time groups. The calculations are based on the Schureman-formulae, with
T = 0 equal to 1 January 1900, 00:00 GMT. For a definition and explanation of these factors
and their use in the tidal formula, you are referred to section 8.1.
Remark:
ASCON is a standalone sub-system. It is also incorporated in ANALYSIS and PREDICT,
where the same quantities are needed.
The User Interface will pop up. Like the other sub-systems, ASCON operates in a file oriented
way. That means that you have to prepare your (single) input file before you can start the
system successfully. To set the sub-system to ASCON
Select Subsystem → Ascon from the menu bar, see Figure 5.10.
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If the input files are not yet selected the open file dialog is opened, with the appropriate file
filter for the input file, otherwise select the menu option File → Open. The actual sub-system
is shown as window title.
On the basis of the data on the input files the computational process is started . At completion
one single output (print) file has been created. For filename conventions, see Appendix C.
ASCON needs input data from the input file <∗.inc> only. Here we expect this input file to be
ready for use.
Be aware that the input file should satisfy the default extension as defined for ASCON input
files. If not, please rename the files.
At any time the filenames for the selected input files, can be read from the File Report as
displayed on the lower half of the screen. In addition the names of the output files are shown,
as derived from the name of the input file <∗.inc>, applying the default extensions for result
files. See Appendix C and Figure 5.11.
After starting the sub-system the progress will be displayed by the Progress Monitor, see
Figure 5.12. At the end of the run areport of the number of warnings and/or fatal errors is
shown. For an explanation of these warnings/errors, please browse your print file.
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General operation of the Delft3D-TIDE subsystems
Figure 5.11: Overview of input and output files for subsystem ASCON
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Next, a (series of) table(s) follows which present the astronomical arguments V0 + u and F
as well as the angular frequency for the selected set of components. The quantity V0 + u is
defined with respect to Greenwich (V0 is the astronomical phase for the Greenwich meridian).
For an explanation of V0 + u and F , see section 8.1.
5.4.4 Restrictions
ASCON is subject to two restrictions
1 The date-time groups must lie between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 2049.
2 The set of components is limited to the 234 internally available components.
5.5 FOURIER
FOURIER incorporates a rather straight-forward Fourier analysis of time-series. Within a
Delft3D-TIDE environment the major application of this sub-system lies in the Fourier analysis
of time-series of residuals as they result from a tidal analysis by ANALYSIS. The location of the
peaks in the Fourier spectrum give information where tidal constituents may be missing. By
absence of relevant information about the major tidal constituents, FOURIER may be useful
when applied on observational time-series to obtain a global impression with respect to the
major tidal constituents.
FOUR features:
a. Selection of sub-series F (n1 : n2 ) as part of the read-in time-series F (1 : n).
b. Restriction of Fourier spectrum to relevant tidal bands.
c. Restriction of the Fourier spectrum S(0 : wmax ) to the sub spectrum S(w1 : w2 ).
Dealing with long time-series, options above may result in a considerable speed-up of the
computational process.
Note: Nowadays computer performance for FOURIER transformation is not a issue any
more. E.g. option a) wit a period of 355 or 369 days can be combined with option c) with
S(0◦ : 180◦ ) assuming ∆t = 1h.
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For the Fourier analysis of time-series of residuals it’s preferable to take the length of the
period for analysis (almost) equal to a synodic period. The reason for this is that, as easily can
be derived, for a synodic period the Fourier spectrum will contain the major tidal frequencies.
After the selection of the start of the time-series (= n1 ) the system automatically proceeds
with the computation of the relevant synodic periods. After this the resulting values for n2 will
pop up in a menu, supporting you by the selection of a relevant synodic period.
Ad b. Tidal bands
The computation of the Fourier spectrum may be restricted to one or more tidal bands, ranging
from tidal band 0 to 12. In the field of tidal analysis a tidal band contains the tidal constituents
with the same diurnality. e.g. tidal band 2 contains the tidal constituents ’occurring’ approx-
imately twice a 24 hour’s day, with M2 as the most well-known constituent. Tidal band 0
contains the long-periodical constituents. As mentioned the restriction of the Fourier analysis
to tidal bands may result in a considerable speed-up of the computational process.
Of course the maximum frequencies should not exceed the so-called Nyquist frequency, de-
fined as:
180
fNyquist = [degrees/hour]
∆t
E.g. for a time step of ∆t = 1 hour the Nyquist frequency = 180 degrees/hour.
FFT only features the selection of sub-series F (n1 : n2 ), see above. The definition of
the computational Fast Fourier Transform does not allow the selection of tidal bands or sub
spectra. At the other hand the Fast Fourier Transform is that fast, that this speed-increasing
options are hardly needed.
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Here the input parameters like time step, options etc. should be entered in an interactive
dialogue.
At completion next output files will be created for Standard Fourier Transform:
The User Interface will pop up. In order to run FOURIER first make this sub-system the active
sub-system by selecting option Fourier from the Subsystem menu in the Main Menu, see
Figure 5.13.
At any time the filenames for the selected input files, can be read from the File Report as
displayed on the lower half of the screen. In addition the names of the output files are shown,
as derived from the name of the input file, applying the default extensions for result files.
The time-series for Fourier analysis will be read from an external data set.
The format of this data set should be like the well-known TIDE-format of the <∗.res> files
from ANALYSIS.
5.5.4 Restrictions
FOURIER is subject to one restriction.
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6 Graphics
ANALYSIS, PREDICT and both FOURIER sub-systems create column oriented TEKAL data
files, <∗.tka> and <∗.tkp> files. As these files contain an appropriate header for the
Delft3D-QUICKPLOT and GPP graphics programs, these files can easily be processed by
Delft3D-QUICKPLOT and GPP.
Delft3D-QUICKPLOT and GPP may be activated from the Delft3D-MENU. Select Utilities in
the main window, next QUICKPLOT or GPP.
From the TEKAL data files of ANALYSIS time-series can be plotted of observations, hindcast
and residuals. From the TEKAL data files from PREDICT the time-series of the tidal prediction
can be plotted. From the TEKAL data files of FOURIER the spectral series can be plotted of
the residuals. For the application of Delft3D-QUICKPLOT and GPP, we refer to the respective
User Manuals (QUICKPLOT UM, 2013; GPP UM, 2013).
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7 Tutorial
For each of the subsystems are tutorials given. These examples are part of the tutorials as
distributed with Delft3D.
7.1 ANALYSIS
For the ANALYSIS subsystem 4 examples are given.
7.1.1 Example 1
Tidal Station Hook of Holland
Location Coastal station North Sea
Period year 1980, month of April
Number of components 37
Number of coupling groups 3
Number of instruments 1
Number of sub-series 1
Trend/ linear variation no
Accuracy analysis no
Graphics file no
Remarks:
The dataset with the observations contains hourly data for all of 1980. Only the data for
the month of April are used in the tidal analysis.
The print file of this example contains a number of warning for the violation of the
Rayleigh criterion. This example represents the situation that there are constituents
which are formally too close in frequency (∆ω = 0.4715, requiring an observation
length of 360/(24 × 0.4711) = 31.9 days). You should either apply astronomical
coupling (see subsection 8.3.4 ), or drop one of the two constituents. Given the nature
of the least squares solution method, however, a 90 % satisfaction of the Rayleigh crite-
rion is almost always acceptable. This is the example here. If the computation is redone
with observation length 32 days or more, the Rayleigh criterion is formally satisfied (no
warnings). In the present example, the results will be practically the same.
7.1.2 Example 2
Tidal Station Hook of Holland
Location Coastal station North Sea
Period full year 1980
Number of components 60
Number of coupling groups 0
Number of instruments 1
Number of sub-series 1
Trend/linear variation no
Accuracy analysis no
Graphics file yes; with correction for mean level
Remark:
The hindcast file <anaex2.hdc> will be used for HILOW Example 7.3.2.
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7.1.3 Example 3
Tidal Station Centre Point of the Bermuda Triangle
Period 1 – 30 June 1989
Number of components 29
Number of coupling groups 3
Number of instruments 2
Number of sub-series 1
Trend/ linear variation yes
Accuracy analysis yes
Graphics file yes; without correction for mean level
Remarks:
See the second remark of Example 7.1.1.
The residuals <anaex3.res> will be used for FOURIER Example 7.3.1
7.1.4 Example 4
Tidal Station Atlantis (Lost Continent)
Location Atlantic Ocean
Period Full year 2024
Number of components 38
Number of coupling groups 0
Number of instruments 2
Number of sub-series 6
Trend/ linear variation no
Accuracy analysis no
Graphics file no
Remark:
See the second remark of Example 7.1.1. Formal satisfaction of the Rayleigh Criterion
requires an observation length of 365 days ( 360/(24×0.0411) = 365). In the present
observation series the month of January is not present which reduces the length to 334
days (∆ω = 360/(24 × 334) = 0.0449).
7.2 PREDICT
For the PREDICT subsystem 2 examples are given.
7.2.1 Example 1
Tidal Station Atlantis (Lost Continent)
Location Atlantic Ocean
Period 1 - 30 June 2027
Time step 30 minutes
Number of components 38
Number of sub-series 1
Remark:
The prediction file <prdex1.prd> will be used for HILOW Example 7.3.1.
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Tutorial
7.2.2 Example 2
Tidal Station Hook of Holland
Location Coastal station North Sea
Period 1999 November 1 until 2000 February 29
Time step 60 minutes
Number of components 60
Number of sub-series 4
7.3 HILOW
For the HILOW subsystem 3 examples are given.
7.3.1 Example 1
Input time-series Atlantis (Lost Continent); prediction
Location Atlantic Ocean
Period 1 – 30 June 2027
Time step 30 minutes
Remark:
The prediction file <prdex1.prd> comes from PREDICT Example 7.2.1 .
7.3.2 Example 2
Input time-series Hook of Holland; hindcast
Location Coastal station North Sea
Period Full year 1980
Time step 60 minutes
Remarks:
It is noted once again that the HILOW input file is equal to the ANALYSIS input file: if an
analysis has been performed, the same input file can be used for tide tables of either
the observed or the hindcast series.
Although the full year is available, the input file is prepared to generate the tables of
High and Low water for the month of April only. This is comparable to the ANALYSIS
Example.
The hindcast file <anaex2.hdc> comes from ANALYSIS Example 7.1.2.
7.3.3 Example 3
Input time-series Centre Point Bermuda Triangle; observed water level
series
Period 1 – 30 June 1989.
Time step 60 minutes
Remark:
This is the observation series analysed in ANALYSIS Example 7.1.3.
7.4 ASCON
For the ASCON subsystem 2 examples are given.
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7.4.1 Example 1
Tidal Station Centre Point of the Bermuda Triangle
Number of components 29
Astronomical arguments for the 1999, January 1 , 00:00:00 GMT
following Date-Time groups 2000, January 1 , 00:00:00 GMT
2001, January 1 , 00:00:00 GMT
7.4.2 Example 2
Tidal Station Hook of Holland
Location Coastal station North Sea
Number of components 60
Astronomical arguments for the 2049, December 31, 00:00:00 GMT
following Date-Time group
7.5 FOURIER
For the FOURIER subsystem 3 examples are given.
7.5.1 Example 1
Tidal Station Centre Point of the Bermuda Triangle
Character of the data Residue file from example 3 of analysis
Length of generated time-series 30.0 days
Length of analysed time-series 29.5 days from start (=suitable period)
Fourier option tidal bands 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8
The examples 7.5.2 and 7.5.3 are related to artificial time-series for an adequate test of the
Standard Fourier Transform and the Fast Fourier Transform.
7.5.2 Example 2
Character of the data Artificial
Parameters in generic formulae ω1 = 15.5 degr/h, A1 = 10 cm
ω2 = 16.5 degr/h, A2 = 20 cm
ω3 = 28.5 degr/h, A3 = 30 cm
Length of generated time-series 30 days (=720 data points)
Length of analysed time-series 30 days (=720 data points)
Time step (minutes) 60 minutes
Applied Fourier Method Standard Fourier Method
Fourier option full spectrum analysis
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7.5.3 Example 3
Character of the data Artificial
Parameters in generic formulae ω1 = 21.97 degr/h, A1 = 10 cm
ω2 = 43.94 degr/h, A2 = 20 cm
ω3 = 109.86 degr/h, A3 = 30 cm
Length of generated time-series 682.67 days (=16384 data points)
Length of analysed time-series 682.67 days (=16384 data points)
Time step (minutes) 60 minutes
Applied Fourier Method Fast Fourier Transform
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8 Conceptual description
The most important motions for the tide are the earth’s rotation around its axis (1 day), the
moon’s orbit around the earth (27.32 days), and the earth’s orbit around the sun (365.25
days).
The observed tidal motion can be described in terms of a series of simple harmonic con-
stituent motions, each with its own characteristic frequency ω (angular velocity). The ampli-
tudes A and phases G of the constituents vary with the positions where the tide is observed.
In this representation by means of the primary constituents, compound and higher harmonic
constituents may have to be added. This is the case in shallow water areas for example.
where advection, large amplitude to depth ratio, and bottom friction give rise to non-linear
interactions. For a list of primary and compound constituents, see Appendix B.
k
X
H(t) = A0 + Ai Fi cos (ωi t + (V0 + u)i − Gi ) (8.1)
i=1
in which:
H(t) water level at time t
A0 mean water level over a certain period
k number of relevant constituents
i index of a constituent
Ai local tidal amplitude of a constituent
Fi nodal amplitude factor
ωi angular velocity
(V0 + u)i astronomical argument
Gi improved kappa number (= local phase lag)
F and (V0 + u) are time-dependent factors which, together with ω , can easily be calculated
and are generally tabulated in the various tidal year books. V0 is the phase correction factor
which relates the local time frame of the observations to an internationally agreed celestial
time frame. V0 is frequency dependent. F and u are slowly varying amplitude and phase
corrections and are also frequency dependent. For most frequencies they have a cyclic period
of 18.6 years. A0 , Ai and Gi are position-dependent: they represent the local character of
the tide.
If for a specific location A0 , Ai and Gi are known, the above formula can be used to predict
the local water level H(t) at any time.
Conversely, if at a location a series of tidal observations W (tj ) is known, the above formula
can be used in a least squares analysis to estimate the constants A0 , Ai and Gi .
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Tidal analysis of current component registrations is analogous to analysis of water level ob-
servations. With A0 , Ai and Gi known for the components of a current vector, a prediction of
the tidal current can again be made for any given period in the past or future.
Remarks:
In the remainder of this User Manual only water levels are mentioned. All sub-systems
and all theory apply equally well to the scalar components of current observa-
tions. Since the (tidal) current is a vector quantity, you must first split it into orthogonal
components, e.g. North and East current components.
These scalars can then be treated just as water levels. This holds for all concepts in this
manual: tidal analysis, sets of components, tidal prediction, tables of times and values
of tidal current extremes, graphics, etc.
A key part of the analysis is the proper selection of the set of constituents which is assumed
to give a proper representation of the tide. Equation 8.1 with the set of assumedly important
tidal constituents forms the mathematical model of the tide that you prescribe. Knowledge
and information about the nature of the local tide, together with the sampling rate and duration
of the observations are essential in order to develop a good mathematical model.
In the case that the model is formulated in terms of k relevant constituents, a total of (2k + 1)
unknowns A0 , Ai and Gi must be determined (or (2k + 2) unknowns, if Bt is included). This
is realised by minimisation of the quantity:
X
(W (tj ) − H(tj ))2 , (8.2)
j
We have now — partly implicitly — touched upon four essential aspects of the formulation of
the mathematical model that require further attention:
1 the measurement interval (Nyquist condition)
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Conceptual description
The mathematical model requires that the measurement interval (Wt ) is at most half the
smallest wave period (Tmin ) that is present in the signal. This is called the Nyquist criterion:
1
∆t ≤ Tmin (8.3)
2
In the oceans and in coastal seas the discernable tidal frequencies are generally smaller than
180◦ /hour. This means that they correspond to wave periods that are larger than 120 minutes.
So, a measurement interval of W (t) = 60 minutes (1 hour) will satisfy.
In complicated river and estuarine situations much higher frequencies may occur. The water
level in the Gironde river in France is characterised by periodic fluctuations with frequencies
of 720 degrees per hour, which are of tidal origin. These frequencies correspond to wave
periods of 30 minutes, requiring a tidal measurement interval of 15 minutes or less.
In practice, the absence of tidal energy at the 12th-diurnal band, with frequencies roughly
180◦ /hour (see Appendix B), forms a guarantee that a measurement interval of 60 minutes is
satisfactory.
"In order to be able to resolve all constituents accurately, their frequencies must differ from
one another by at least:
360◦
∆ω = (8.4)
T
in which T is the duration of the observation in hours".
∆ω is also the smallest Fourier frequency component that can be resolved for a given time-
series.
In practice the observation length is given and cannot easily be changed. The Rayleigh cri-
terion then restricts the number of constituents that can be prescribed independently. For
example, with a 30 days registration, the Rayleigh criterion requires:
360 360
∆ω = = = 0.5 (8.5)
30 × 24 720
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Similarly, registrations of 180 and 360 days duration lead to a Rayleigh criterion of 0.08333
and 0.04166 degrees per hour, respectively.
Appendix B lists all available tidal constituents and their frequencies in order of increasing
frequencies. It is clear that in most tidal analysis computations the Rayleigh criterion will
drastically restrict the choice of constituents that can be included.
In the Delft3D-TIDE system you may resolve the related constituents in a coupled sense. Let
us assume the situation of one main component and several sub-components which are too
close in the frequency domain. You must prescribe the amplitude and phase relations
between the two or more constituents involved. In the numerical solution one "lumped" con-
stituent is resolved. Afterwards, the prescribed relations are applied again to determine the
separate amplitudes and phases. We note that this system presupposes that the main com-
ponent is essentially larger than the sub-components.
k
X
H(t) = A0 + Ai Fi cos (ωi t + (V0 + u)i − Gi ) (8.6)
i=1
i 6= υξ , . . . , υξ + λξ
ξ = 1, 2, ....., τ
Xτ
H(t) = A0 + Aυξ Fυξ cos ωυξ t + (V0 + u)υξ − Gυξ (8.7)
ξ=1
where:
τ number of groups of astronomically coupled constituents.
ξ sequence number of the group.
λξ number of sub-components in group ξ , solved together with the main compo-
nent of group ξ .
υξ index; 1 ≤ υξ ≤ λξ .
Appendix B gives a list of the astronomical couplings that may have to be made in case of
short observation series. Well known are the couplings (K1, P1), (N2, NU2), and (S2, K2). In
practice you should always try to use amplitude and phase relations based on a long period
analysis of a neighbouring station. Only if such information is not available, you may resort to
equilibrium tide relations given in Appendix B (amplitude relation is prescribed, phase relation
is equal to zero).
Remarks:
You should always resolve the constituents of these three groups independently, if the
series is sufficiently long. It is strongly advised not to perform an analysis on a series
that is shorter than 30 days, e.g. 15 days. In such an analysis too many constituents
have to be coupled, which makes the mathematical model too rigid.
The best results are obtained with observation periods corresponding to the so-called
synodic periods of one month, six months, and one year.
52 of 100 Deltares
Conceptual description
N
X
(W (ti ) − H(ti ))2 , (8.8)
i=1
where N is the number of observations, and W (ti ) is the value of the observation at ti .
The solution involves a linear system of (2k + 1) or (2k + 2) equations, solved by LU-
decomposition. For good resolution, N should be much larger than (2k + 2). This is one of
the reasons why you should try to minimise the number of constituents that enter in the tidal
model. That is also directly in line with the aim of tidal analysis:
"extracting the local amplitudes and local phases of those constituents, that together give a
good description of the deterministic tidal part of an observation".
8.4.1 Trends
As a result of non-resolvable very long period constituents or non-astronomic phenomena
such as wind, the mean water level may vary slowly. Also, the position of the registration
instrument may gradually change. To take into account of such motions, if present, you may
include an extra term B0 t to the analysis formula Equation 8.1, representing a trend.
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Delft3D-TIDE, User Manual
determined which enable a thorough quality assessment of the results: a median error per
constituent, and auto-correlation function of the residue for various time lags.
It is noted that in the actual solution of the matrix the equation in amplitudes and phases is
rewritten in one in terms of cosine and sine functions:
εi is the mean error for one of the elements of the unknowns {A0j , B0j , ak , bk }.
In the print file of a tidal analysis (extension <∗.pra>), values for the two parameters V V 1
and V V 2 are given. Parameter V V 1 is related to the numerical condition number of the
linear system of equations from which the tidal constituents are solved. Parameter V V 2
represents the standard deviation of the residuals.
Remark:
In literature Ai and Gi are given in the local time zone of the station involved. Using
PREDICT will then also result in a prediction given in local time. This is in line with
ANALYSIS, where sets of Ai and Gi in local time are determined on the basis of an
observation series in local time.
The following two publications give (very small) sets of amplitudes and phases for a large
number of coastal stations world-wide: UKHO (annual), these only give data for O1, K1, M2
and S2 and SHOM (1982), contains data for at most the following 10 constituents: SA, Q1,
O1, K1, N2, M2, S2, MN4, M4, and MS4. However the Table des marées des grands ports du
monde (SHOM, 1982) is no longer in force since 2000.
54 of 100 Deltares
Conceptual description
of high and low water per day. For each sub-series some statistical information, i.e. average
level, maximal and minimal levels, and mean rise and fall, is added.
Remark:
The present approach to the preparation of tide tables is essentially different from the
generally used procedure, since it is not based on the differentiation of Equation 8.1.
This has the advantage that any observed tidal series, including meteorological effects,
can be processed as well. When processing observed series, the Delft3D-TIDE option
to detect physical extremes (measurement errors, etc.) is very useful, see item A.3
(filter parameters).
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56 of 100 Deltares
References
Delft3D IM, 2013. Delft3D Installation Manual. Deltares, 4.01 ed.
SHOM, 1982. “Table des marées des grands ports du monde.” Brest. Service Hydrographique
et Océanographique de la Marine (SHOM). No 540.
UKHO (annual). “Admiralty Tide Tables (4 volumes).” United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
(UKHO), NP 201-204.
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58 of 100 Deltares
A Input file formats
A description of the input file formats of the subsystems ANALYSIS, PREDICT, HILOW and
ASCON. For FOURIER no input file format need to be described.
A.1 ANALYSIS
ANALYSIS needs input data from two files, the input data file (with the required extension
<ina>) and the file with observations (with the required extension <obs>).
Input may often be entered in free format, but must sometimes be entered in fixed format.
Free format means that it makes no difference where you put the input on the line, taking into
account the order. Fixed format means that the input should be placed in a certain column
range (column fields). Text format means that you may enter any text, but left justified on the
input line (start in column 1). Pay attention to the maximum number of characters on input,
which may vary per input record.
In the input file several date-time groups for start and end of time periods have to be entered.
A date-time group consists of a date, followed by the time and separated by two blanks. The
date should be entered in a yymmdd format and the time in a hhmmss format. So, the
complete format for the date-time group is: yymmdd hhmmss.
A date-time group should always be entered left justified on the input line, like text input. For
example, for a time-series starting at October 20, 1989, 14:55:00 you should specify on the
input line:
891020 145500
The input is subdivided into a number of separate items. For each item the number of required
input lines will be specified, providing you with just that extra bit of information necessary for
a complete understanding of the input description.
The input description will be understood more easily if you consult the input example at the
end of this section from time to time.
Below we give a systematic, record for record, explanation for the input data file. The input
parameters are printed in bold type, immediately followed by an explanation. If needed, the
limitation of the sub-system with respect to input parameters is indicated.
If the first character of a header line is ’+’, this header line will be copied to the output files. If
the first character of a header line is ’∗’, this header line will not be copied to the output files.
For example in case of ANALYSIS the ’plus header lines’ on the <∗.ina> file will include
relevant notes on the tidal analysis, the origin of applied set of components, coupling of com-
ponents, etc.
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The ’plus header lines’ for the time-series with observations, <∗.obs> file, may include rel-
evant information about the tidal station, for example geographical position, coastal/offshore
station, number of instruments, quality of measured data, etc.
HEADER(1) (text)
··· ···
HEADER(Nheader) (text)
HEADER(i) is the i-th header line at the start of the input data file (N header ≤ 20). The
maximum information per line is 255 characters.
Nobs is the total number of observations to be read from the <∗.obs> file (file with
observations). Reading always start from the first observation on the <∗.obs>
file. Since the observation file also starts with a five-line identification header,
this is the first number on the sixth line of the <∗.obs> file. From the <∗.obs>
file the tidal series H(N obs) will be read.
TB is the date-time group of the first observation H(1) of the observation time-
series. The date-time should be entered in the format given above:
yymmdd hhmmss, left justified on the input line.
TE is the date-time group of the last observation H(N obs) of the observation time-
series. The date-time should be entered in the format given above:
yymmdd hhmmss, left justified on the input line.
UNIT is the description (text) for the unit of the observations. This text is only used for
generating appropriate header lines in the output files. No internal conversions
will follow. The maximum number of characters is 8. Example: CM WATER.
Options (1 line)
INFO(1:5) (free)
INFO(1) = 0: no GRAPHICS data file will be created. You do not intend to present
the results in graphical form.
= 1: a GRAPHICS data file will be created with the original time-series of
the observations, with the hindcast and with the residue.
= 2: same as INFO(1)=1 but time-series above are corrected for mean
level per instrument.
Explanation:
The three time-series are plotted in one frame. For scaling purposes,
it is desirable that the time-series to be plotted have approximately
the same mean value. The mean levels for observation and hindcast
are the same; per definition the mean of the residue in tidal analysis
equals zero. So, if the mean of observation (hindcast) differs sig-
nificantly from zero, application of this last option will allow a better
scaling of the graphical output.
60 of 100 Deltares
Input file formats
INFO(4) = 0: it is assumed that there is no linear change (linear trend) in the mean
level of the observations.
= 1: a linear change of mean level will be computed for each instrument.
Ncomp is the total number of selected main components. Condition: Ncomp ≤ 234.
COMP(i) represents the name of component i from the selected set of components. The
components should be selected from the list of the 234 internally available tidal
components, see Appendix B.
The name of each component should be entered in upper cast, and be left justified on a new
line, resulting in Ncomp input lines for the set of components.
In principle, this set may be entered in any order of tidal frequency. A good habit, however, is to
provide the components in order of increasing tidal frequency. There is an important exception
in case of coupled components. For a group of coupled components the sub-components only
appear in the following lines:
Ncoupl is the total number of coupled groups in the set of components. In subsec-
tion 8.3.4 you will find under which conditions coupling of components is re-
quired. Condition: 0 ≤ Ncoupl ≤ 10. If Ncoupl > 0 a series of input lines
follow in order to prescribe the coupling in detail. If Ncoupl = 0, no coupling
will be applied.
The next input line(s) each define one group of coupled components. On each input line
the name of the main component is followed by the names of the sub-components and the
prescribed amplitude and phase relations.
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Each well-defined group of coupled components will fit on one input line!
The items on input lines for coupling are not bound to column fields. The format is completely
free; only the order of the items is important.
N1(1) (free)
N2(1) (free)
··· ···
N1(Nins) (free)
N2(Nins) (free)
Nins is the total number of instruments involved in the measurement of the selected
tidal series. Condition: Nins ≤ 10.
N1(i) is the sequence number of the first observation of instrument i.
N2(i) is the sequence number of the last observation of instrument i.
These sequence numbers are related to and must correspond to the sequence numbers in
the time-series H(N obs) that will be analysed.
T1ins (fixed)
T2ins (fixed)
··· ···
T1Nins (fixed)
T2Nins (fixed)
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Input file formats
Nsub is the total number of sub-series in the selected tidal series. Condition: N sub ≤
10. The minimum is 1 (one single series; no gaps; one instrument).
T1sub (fixed)
T2sub (fixed)
···
T1Nsub (fixed)
T2Nsub (fixed)
In the case that a simple one instrument series without any gaps has to be analysed, these
date-time groups will be equal to TB and TE, respectively.
Afilter, Nfilter and Mfilter are filter parameters for sub-system HILOW, used for smoothing
purposes. It is used to separate tidal and non-tidal extremes in the time-series. These proce-
dures are mainly important for data from measurements, which may contain instrumentation
errors and meteorological effects.
Nfilter Measure for the width of the block filter in terms of the number of values
preceding or following. The width of the filter follows from: 2Nfilter + 1.
Range: 1 ≤ Nfilter ≤ 6
Default: 2
We advise to start with the indicated default values for the filter parameters. In almost all
situations these defaults will satisfy, and give only real tidal maxima and minima. If this is
not the case, for instance if meteorological effects have given rise to extra extremes in the
observed time-series that you are considering, rerun the computation with larger values of the
filter parameters.
In ANALYSIS the block filters are not used. With this extra input line, this input file will also and
without changes serve as the input file for high/low water computations with HILOW, either for
the present observation series, or the corresponding hindcast series.
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+ Deltares
+ p.o. box 177 2600 MH Delft
+ TIDE Analysis and prediction of tides
+ Example 3 from Tutorial ANALYSIS
+ TIDAL ANALYSIS Centre point Bermuda Triangle, JUNE 1989
* ==================================================
720
890601 000000
890630 230000
CM WATER
1 0 1 1 0
26
2Q1
Q1
O1
M1
K1
J1
OO1
3MS2
MNS2
MU2
N2
M2
L2
S2
MSN2
2SM2
MO3
M3
2MNS4
MN4
M4
SN4
MS4
3SM4
3MO5
M6
3
S2 K2 0.284 0.00
N2 NU2 0.194 0.00
K1 P1 0.328 0.00
2
1 168 181 720
890601 000000
890607 230000
890608 120000
890630 230000
2
890601 000000
890607 230000
890608 120000
890630 230000
0.2 2 2
+ Deltares
+ p.o. box 177 2600 MH Delft
+ TIDE Analysis and prediction of tides
+ Example 4 from Tutorial ANALYSIS
64 of 100 Deltares
Input file formats
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Delft3D-TIDE, User Manual
0.2 2 2
A.2 PREDICT
If you have to prepare an input file for PREDICT by yourself, it is necessary to know the exact
format of the <∗.inp> file.
At some places, input data can be entered in free format, but elsewhere it may need to be
entered in fixed format. Free format means that it makes no difference where you put the input
on the line, as long as you take into account the order in which it is supplied. Fixed format
means that the input should be placed in certain column ranges (column fields). Text format
means any text, as long as it is left justified on the input line (start in column 1). Pay attention
to the maximum number of characters on input, which may vary per input.
In the input file several date-time groups for start and end of time periods have to be entered.
A date-time group consists of a date, followed by the time and separated by two blanks. The
date should be entered in a yymmdd format and the time in a hhmmss format. So, the
complete format for the date-time group is: yymmdd hhmmss. A date-time group should
always be entered left justified on the input line, like text input. For example, for a time-series
starting at October 20, 1989, 14:55:00 you should specify on the input line:
891020 145500
The input is subdivided in a number of separate items. For each item the number of required
input lines will be specified. This should provide you with just that extra bit of information
necessary for a complete understanding of the input description.
The input description will be understood more easily if you consult the input example at the
end of this section from time to time.
Below we give a systematic, record for record, explanation of the structure of the input data
file. The input parameters are printed in bold character type, immediately followed by an
explanation of the input. If needed, the limitation of the sub-system with respect to the input
parameters is indicated.
If the first character of a header line is ’+’, this header line will be copied to the output files. If
the first character of a header line is ’∗’, this header line will not be copied to the output files.
HEADER(1) (text)
··· ···
HEADER(Nheader) (text)
HEADER(i) is the i-th header line at the start of the input data file (N header ≤ 20) The
maximum information per line is 255 characters.
66 of 100 Deltares
Input file formats
TB is the date-time group of the first observation H(1) of the observation time-
series. The date-time should be entered in the format given above:
yymmdd hhmmss,
left justified on the input line.
TE is the date-time group of the last observation H(N obs) of the observation time-
series. The date-time should be entered in the format given above:
yymmdd hhmmss,
left justified on the input line.
UNIT is the description (text) for the unit of the observations. This text is only used for
generating appropriate header lines in the output files. No internal conversions
will follow. The maximum number of characters is 8. Example: CM WATER.
Nobs is the total number of observations to be read from the <∗.obs> file (file with
observations). Reading always start from the first observation on the <∗.obs>
file. Since the observation file also starts with a five-line identification header,
this is the first number on the sixth line of the <∗.obs> file. From the <∗.obs>
file the tidal series H(N obs) will be read.
Ncomp (free)
COMP(1) A(1) G(1) (fixed)
··· ···
COMP(Ncomp) A(Ncomp) G(Ncomp) (fixed)
Ncomp is the total number of components that you want to use in the prediction. There
is no restriction on the number: all 234 internally available components may be
used.
COMP(i) represent the names of the selected set of components. All components have
to be chosen from the set of available components in Appendix B. The format
is A8. They must be entered in upper cast (capital letters).
A(i) represents the amplitudes for the station. The unit in which the amplitudes
are expressed fixes the unit of the prediction time-series that will be produced.
Format: F10.3.
G(i) represents the station’s phases or improved Kappa-numbers. The unit in which
they MUST be entered is degrees. Format: F10.1.
This set may be entered in any order of tidal frequency. It is the convention to provide them in
order of increasing tidal frequency, since this simplifies visual checks.
As stated above, the parameters on this input line are bound to specific column fields.
The name of each component must be entered in the leftmost 8 columns of the record; the
amplitude A in columns 9–18 and the phase G in column field 19–28. Always use a floating
point representation when entering these values; only then it does not matter where you put
the value within the assigned column field.
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DELT is the time step to be applied in the prediction. The unit of the time step is
MINUTES.
Nsub is the number of sub-series to be used in the prediction (minimum value: 1). The
prediction series should be split up in more than one sub-series if a prediction
for a long time period is made. This is related to the fact that the component-
dependent so-called nodal factors u and F ("constant for the period of pre-
diction"), which are computed by the system, are actually slowly varying with
time. Most of these nodal factors have a cycle period of about 18.61 years.
For prediction periods exceeding two months, you should subdivide the period
in blocks of at maximum two months. The system then computes u and F per
sub-series, which improves the accuracy of the prediction.
T1sub(1) is the date-time group of the first observation of the first sub-series.
A(1) is the mean level for the first sub-series.
B(1) (in units per hour) indicates the linear change with time of the first sub-series.
The format of the record is: A6, 2X, A6, F10.3, F10.3.
T1sub(Nsub) is the date-time group of the first observation of the last sub-series.
A (Nsub) is the mean level for the last sub-series.
B (Nsub) (in units per hour) indicates the linear change with time of the last sub-series.
The format of the record is: A6, 2X, A6, F10.3, F10.3
The linear trend is defined with respect to the MIDDLE TIME POINT of the period of the
(sub)series. In most cases the linear trend will be zero. When the linear trend is non-zero,
however, and you split up the period to be predicted in a number of sub-series, you should be
aware that this will result in a (linear) change of the mean level per sub-series too!. This
means that you have to adjust the mean levels of the sub-series in your input accordingly, in
order to effect the correct transition from one sub-series to the next.
This looks more difficult than it is. A simple check to see if you have prescribed the correct
mean levels given your linear change, is to make a prediction with all amplitudes equal to
zero. This should result in a monotonously increasing (positive trend) or decreasing (negative
trend) straight line. The presence of jumps at the transition of sub-series, easily detected
from your output file <∗.prp>, requires reconsideration of the mean levels that you applied
in those sub-series. A similar, slightly more complicated situation occurs if the linear trend
information comes from a computation with ANALYSIS, in which more than one instrument
(more than one trend) played a role.
Remark:
You don’t have to specify the end of the entered sub-series. Each sub-series ends one
time step before the first value of the next sub-series, resulting in a continuous overall
series.
As stated above, the parameters (T1, A ,B ) on these input lines are bound to specific column
fields. Parameter T1sub is a date-time group, so should be entered in the 14 leftmost columns.
68 of 100 Deltares
Input file formats
Parameter A should be in column field 15–24 and parameter B in column field 25–34.
Always use a floating point representation when entering values for A and B ; only then it
does not matter where you put the value in the assigned column field.
Remark:
The PREDICT Input Processor automatically generates sub-series of length 1 month.
+ Deltares
+ p.o. box 177 2600 MH Delft
+ TIDE Analysis and prediction of tides
+ Example 2 from Tutorial PREDICTION
+ PREDICTION HOOK OF HOLLAND , 51 59 NB 04 07 EL NOV 1999-FEB 2000
* ======================================================================
991101 000000
000229 230000
CM
60
SA 10.350 183.9
MS0 2.410 42.1
2Q1 .524 31.3
Q1 3.988 146.4
O1 9.974 190.4
M1 .455 41.4
P1 3.336 348.3
S1 1.328 285.1
K1 7.666 3.7
3MKS2 .782 325.6
3MS2 1.462 318.0
OQ2 1.489 359.7
MNS2 2.278 186.8
2ML2S2 1.681 355.9
NLK2 1.552 68.0
MU2 7.806 204.8
N2 11.777 57.9
NU2 4.474 55.6
MSK2 .521 271.6
MPS2 1.504 168.8
M2 77.405 85.7
MSP2 1.543 53.1
MKS2 1.735 245.1
LABDA2 2.769 97.6
2MN2 7.105 289.6
T2 1.339 131.5
S2 18.797 144.9
K2 5.273 149.1
MSN2 1.722 355.0
2SM2 2.127 24.3
SKM2 .972 18.7
2MK3 .695 188.4
MK3 .935 291.2
3MS4 1.661 244.6
MN4 6.063 133.8
2MLS4 2.086 317.7
M4 16.503 162.3
2MKS4 1.455 294.2
SN4 .925 249.5
3MN4 1.396 356.2
MS4 10.433 217.9
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Delft3D-TIDE, User Manual
A.3 HILOW
Input files for HILOW are generated by either ANALYSIS or PREDICT.
Remark:
Only if you prepare the input file”by hand”, the remainder of this section is important
At the beginning of the file, header lines are expected. The number of header lines that can
be included in the files is not fixed, but should at least be one and not exceed 20.
Header lines are recognised by the system by the first character of a record, the first char-
acter of a header line has to be ’+’ or ’∗’.
The header lines are directly followed by the data. As the data are read free-formatted there
are no conditions with respect to the layout of the data part of the file.
Remark:
Never use a ’+’ sign to indicate positive values. It is possible that the record containing
this value is identified as a header line. A value without a sign is identified as a positive
value.
The number of observations per line (a line is a record) is free. The unit of the observations
(metre, centimetre, inches) is free. We advise to choose centimetres as the unit for observa-
tions, since the number of printed decimal digits for the results is fixed. So, for centimetres
the printed results are actually more accurate. Input data may sometimes be entered in free
format but has at other times to be entered in fixed format. Free format means that it makes
no difference where you put the input on the line, as long as you take into account the order
in which it is supplied. Fixed format means that the input should be placed in certain column
ranges (column fields). Text format means any text, as long as it is left justified on the input
line (start in column 1). Pay attention to the maximum number of characters on input, which
may vary per input.
70 of 100 Deltares
Input file formats
In the input file several date-time groups for start and end of time periods have to be entered.
A date-time group consists of a date, followed by the time and separated by two blanks. The
date should be entered in a yymmdd format and the time in a hhmmss format. So, the
complete format for the date-time group is: yymmdd hhmmss. A date-time group should
always be entered left justified on the input line, like text input. For example, for a time-series
starting at October 20, 1989, 14:55:00 you should specify on the input line:
891020 145500
The input is subdivided in a number of separate items. For each item the number of required
input lines will be specified. This should provide you with just that extra bit of information
necessary for a complete understanding of the input description.
The input description will be understood more easily if you consult the input example at the
end of this section from time to time.
Below, we give a systematic, record for record, explanation of the structure of the input data
file. The relevant input parameters are printed in bold character type, immediately followed
by an explanation of the input. If needed, the limitation of the sub-system with respect to the
input parameters is indicated.
If the first character of a header line is ’+’, this header line will be copied to the output files. If
the first character of a header line is ’∗’, this header line will not be copied to the output files.
HEADER(1) (text)
··· ···
HEADER(Nheader) (text)
HEADER(i) is the i-th header line at the start of the input data file (N header ≤ 20) The
maximum information per line is 255 characters.
Nobs is the total number of observations to be read from the <∗.obs> file (file with
observations). Reading always start from the first observation on the <∗.obs>
file. Since the observation file also starts with a five-line identification header,
this is the first number on the sixth line of the <∗.obs> file. From the <∗.obs>
file the tidal series H(N obs) will be read.
TB is the date-time group of the first observation H(1) of the observation time-
series. The date-time should be entered in the format given above:
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Delft3D-TIDE, User Manual
yymmdd hhmmss,
left justified on the input line.
TE is the date-time group of the last observation H(N obs) of the observation time-
series. The date-time should be entered in the format given above:
yymmdd hhmmss,
left justified on the input line.
UNIT is the description (text) for the unit of the observations. This text is only used for
generating appropriate header lines in the output files. No internal conversions
will follow. The maximum number of characters is 8. Example: CM WATER.
Options (1 line)
INFO(1:5) (free)
INFO is an option array with 5 options, used only in ANALYSIS (The explanation of INFO( ) is
not further explained here). You must enter a line with 5 integer numbers here.
Ncomp (free)
COMP(1) (text)
··· ···
COMP(Ncomp) (text)
Ncomp is the total number of selected main components. Condition: Ncomp ≤ 234.
COMP(i) represents the name of component i from the selected set of components. The
components should be selected from the list of the 234 internally available tidal
components, see Appendix B.
The name of each component should be entered in upper cast, and be left justified on a new
line, resulting in Ncomp input lines for the set of components.
In principle, this set may be entered in any order of tidal frequency. A good habit, however, is
to provide the components in order of increasing tidal frequency.
Ncoupl (free)
Ncoupl is the total number of coupled groups in the set of components. In subsec-
tion 8.3.4 you will find under which conditions coupling of components is re-
quired. Condition: 0 ≤ Ncoupl ≤ 10. If Ncoupl > 0 a series of input lines
follow in order to prescribe the coupling in detail. If Ncoupl = 0, no coupling
will be applied.
72 of 100 Deltares
Input file formats
The next input line(s) each define one group of coupled components. On an input line the
name of the main component is supposed to be followed by the names of the sub-components
and the prescribed amplitude and phase relations.
Each well-defined group of coupled components will fit on one input line!
The items on input lines for coupling are not bound to column fields. The format is completely
free; only the order of the items is important.
Nins (free)
N1(1) (free)
N2(1) (free)
··· ···
N1(Nins) (free)
N2(Nins) (free)
Nins is the total number of instruments involved in the measurement of the selected
tidal series. Condition: Nins ≤ 10.
N1(i) is the sequence number of the first observation of instrument i.
N2(i) is the sequence number of the last observation of instrument i.
These sequence numbers are related to and must correspond to the sequence numbers in
the time-series H(1:Nobs) that forms the basis for the Tide Tables.
T1ins (fixed)
T2ins (fixed)
··· ···
T1Nins (fixed)
T2Nins (fixed)
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Nsub (free)
T1sub (fixed)
T2sub (fixed)
··· ···
T1Nsub (fixed)
T2Nsub (fixed)
In the case that a simple one instrument series without any gaps has to be analysed, these
date-time groups will be equal to TB and TE, respectively.
Afilter, Nfilter and Mfilter above are block filter parameters. The block filter is used to sepa-
rate tidal and non-tidal extremes in the time-series. These procedures are mainly important
for data from measurements, which may contain instrumentation errors and meteorological
effects.
Nfilter Measure for the width of the block filter in terms of the number of values .
preceding or following. The width of the filter follows from: 2Nfilter + 1
Range: 1 ≤ Nfilter ≤ 6
Default: 2
We advise to start with the indicated default values for the filter parameters. In almost all
situations these defaults will satisfy, and give only real tidal maxima and minima. If this is
not the case, for instance if meteorological effects have given rise to extra extremes in the
observed time-series that you are considering, rerun the computation with larger values of the
filter parameters.
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Input file formats
+ Deltares
+ p.o. box 177 2600 MH Delft
+ TID Analysis and prediction of tides
+ Example 1 from Tutorial HILOW
+ HIGH/LOW WATER COMPUTATION
* ATLANTIS 10 00 N 00 00 EL (dt=30 min)
* ==================================================================
1440
270601 000000
270630 233000
M WATER
0 0 0 0 0
38
SA
SSA
MSM
MM
MS0
KO0
MFM
2Q1
SIGMA1
Q1
RO1
O1
M1
PI1
K1
P1
J1
OO1
O2
MU2
N2
NU2
OP2
M2
L2
S2
K2
NO3
MO3
M3
SO3
MK3
SK3
MN4
M4
MS4
M6
2MS6
0
1
1 1440
270601 000000
270630 233000
1
270601 000000
270630 233000
0.2 2 2
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A.4 ASCON
In this section we will discuss the data on the input data file of ASCON. Unless otherwise
stated the input is in free format. Do mind the order of entering the data. Text input should be
always be entered left justified on the input line.
Apart from the identification header, the main input consists of date-time groups. A date-time
group consists of a date, followed by the time and separated by two blanks. The date should
be entered in a yymmdd format and the time in a hhmmss format. So, the complete format
for the date-time group is: yymmdd hhmmss. A date-time group should always be entered
left justified on the input line, like text input. For example, for a time-series starting at October
20, 1989, 14:55:00 you should specify on the input line:
891020 145500
The input is subdivided in a number of separate items. For each item the number of required
input lines will be specified, providing you with the information necessary for a complete un-
derstanding of the input description.
Understanding the input description will be easier if read the example at the end of this section
from time to time.
The input parameters are printed in bold character type, immediately followed by an explana-
tion of the input. If needed, the limitation of the sub-system with respect to the input parame-
ters is indicated.
If the first character of a header line is ’+’, this header line will be copied to the output files. If
the first character of a header line is ’∗’, this header line will not be copied to the output files.
HEADER(1) (text)
··· ···
HEADER(Nheader) (text)
HEADER(i) is the i-th header line at the start of the input data file (N header ≤ 20). The
maximum information per line is 255 characters.
TI represents the date-time group (yymmdd hhmmss) for which the astronomi-
cal arguments V0 + u and F will be computed. You can specify as many date-
time groups as you like, However one date-time group per input line, Format:
I6,2X,I6.
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Input file formats
COMP(i) represents the name of component i from the selected set of components. The
components should be selected from the list of available tidal components in
Appendix B.
The name of each component should be entered in upper cast and left justified on a new line,
resulting in Ncomp input lines for the set of components.
+ Deltares
+ p.o. box 177 2600 MH Delft
+ TIDE Analysis and prediction of tides
+ Example 1 from Tutorial ASCON
+ ASTRONIMICAL ARGUMENTS Centre point Bermuda Triangle
+ FOR 01/01/1999,01/01/2000 AND 01/01/2001
* =====================================================================
990101 000000
000101 000000
010101 000000
2Q1
Q1
O1
M1
K1
P1
J1
OO1
3MS2
MNS2
MU2
N2
NU2
M2
L2
S2
K2
MSN2
2SM2
MO3
M3
2MNS4
MN4
M4
SN4
MS4
3SM4
3MO5
M6
A.5 FOURIER
No specific file formats needed.
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B List of tidal components (internal component base)
The set of components can be divided in primary components, which appear in the equilib-
rium tide (No land masses; only one deep ocean), and compound components. The latter are
linear combinations of primary components. The names and frequencies of all 234 internally
available components of TIDE are given below. For the primary components the relative mag-
nitude in the equilibrium tide is given as well. For the selection of components in an analysis
input file, relative importance in neighbouring stations is often a guideline. For North Sea
circumstances, the set of 60 constituents given in the example just preceding section A.3 is a
good choice. For components that may appear as sub-components in astronomical coupling
in case of short series, the equilibrium amplitude relation with their main component is given
as well. The equilibrium phase relation is equal to zero.
Remark:
In case astronomical coupling is necessary, you should always first try to use amplitude
and phase relations based on a long period analysis of a neighbouring station. Only if
such information is not available, you may resort to the equilibrium tide relations given
below.
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List of tidal components (internal component base)
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List of tidal components (internal component base)
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C Filename conventions
When you execute the TIDE software you will be prompted for the names of data files to be
selected from file lists in menu boxes.
C.1 ANALYSIS
Input files:
Output files:
<∗.pra> for the print file with report and error messages of ANALYSIS
<∗.cmp> for the file with the tidal constants
<∗.hdc> for the file with the time-series of the hindcast
<∗.res> for the file with the time-series of residuals
<∗.tka> for the file with the plot data of ANALYSIS
C.2 PREDICT-GUI
Input:
Manual input
Input files:
Output file:
C.3 PREDICT
Input file:
Output files:
<∗.prp> for the print file with report and error messages of PREDICT
<∗.prd> for the file with the predicted time-series
<∗.tkp> for the file with the plot data of PREDICT
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C.4 HILOW-GUI
Input:
Manual input
Input file:
Output file:
C.5 HILOW
Input file:
Output files:
C.6 ASCON
Input file:
Output file:
C.7 FOURIER
Manual input
Input file:
Output file:
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Filename conventions
Manual input
Input file:
Output file:
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D Messages from Delft3D-TIDE
Error messages, warnings and/or Informative messages are given for all the 5 subsystems
e.g. ANALYSIS, PREDICT, HILOW, ASCON and FOURIER.
D.1 ANALYSIS
In the ANALYSIS messages on fatal errors and warnings are automatically generated. Both
result from a thorough overall screening of the individual input parameters. Finally the consis-
tency of the whole input set is checked.
If fatal errors have been found the program will abort after printing all the error messages on
the print file <∗.pra>. Therefore, if any errors have occurred, check the Input Interpretation
Report thoroughly.
In case of warnings the program will continue normally with the computation. The warnings
are often not that serious that they will abort the computational process. On the other hand,
they deserve your attention because something may be wrong. This holds especially for the
warnings regarding the time interval of the data and those on the violation of the Rayleigh
criterion. Warnings are also added to the print file <∗.pra>. In the editor you can easily
search for the keywords ERROR and WARNING in order to find all error messages respec-
tively warnings.
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Messages from Delft3D-TIDE
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D.1.2 Warnings
Below two (non-fatal) warnings are discussed. Read the explanation carefully. Remember
that the software proceeds normally with the computation after detecting warnings.
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Messages from Delft3D-TIDE
D.2 PREDICT
In PREDICT six error messages are implemented, and no warnings. After a complete screen-
ing of the input data the system will abort if any errors are detected. A list of the detected
errors is added to the print file <∗.prp>.
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D.3 HILOW
In this section the list of possible error messages of HILOW is given. All error messages will
cause the sub-system to abort. Again, only error messages related to relevant input will be
listed.
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Messages from Delft3D-TIDE
Parameters 1, 2, and 3 refer to Afilter, Mfilter and Nfilter, resp. If the default does not satisfy,
verify their ranges, see the example input file in item A.3.
D.4 ASCON
ASCON contains three error messages.
Remark:
The constituent names must be entered in order of increasing frequency.
D.5 FOURIER
No errors or warnings are listed.
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E Content of the TIDE tutorial cases
A list of the input files of the tutorial cases is given below.
E.1 ANALYSIS
For sub-system ANALYSIS in directory <tutorial\tide\analysis>
<hvh.obs>
sub-directory <example_2> with files:
<anaex2.ina>
<hvh.obs>
sub-directory <example_3> with files:
<anaex3.ina>
<bermud.obs>
sub-directory <example_4> with files:
<anaex4.ina>
<atlantis.obs>
E.2 PREDICT
For sub-system PREDICT in directory <tutorial\tide\prediction>
E.3 HILOW
For sub-system HILOW in directory <tutorial\tide\hilow>
<prdex1.prd>
sub-directory <example_2> with files:
<hlwex2.inh>
<anaex2.hdc>
sub-directory <example_3> with files:
<hlwex3.inh>
<bermuda.obs>
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E.4 ASCON
For sub-system ASCON in directory <tutorial\tide\ascon>
E.5 FOURIER
For sub-system FOURIER in directory <tutorial\tide\fourier>
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