Abstract:
Based on the ROMS (Regional Ocean Modeling System), a numerical tidal model with a horizontal resolution of 1/24° was developed for the domain spanning from 95°E to 135°E and 10°S to 10°N. The model simulated eight principal tidal constituents M
2, S
2, N
2, K
2, K
1, O
1, P
1, and Q
1 in the Indonesian Seas. The simulated tidal levels in a six-month period were compared with the harmonic tidal constants from 36 tide gauge stations. The average root mean square error and relative error for tidal amplitude were 6 cm and 18.1%, respectively, and those for phase angle were 18.96° and 13.6%, respectively. The S_TIDE function package was employed to derive tidal flow velocities associated with the eight principal tidal constituents, then the variables indicative of tidal energy richness, such as average flow speed, energy flux density, theoretical storage capacity, and effective flow duration, were calculated. These calculations facilitated an analysis of the intensity and distribution of tidal energy across the Indonesian Seas. Further screening identified 13 waterways with relatively abundant tidal energy resources, which can be categorized into zones based on maximum tidal current velocity, finding 9 zones of high tidal energy richness (A1, A2, A6, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, A13), 2 zones of moderate richness (A3, A5), and 2 zones of potential utilization (A4, A7). Considering the tidal energy utilization complexity due to greater water depths and the safety ensurance of navigational in the straits, zones A4 (179.2 meters), A7 (143.2 meters), and A1 were excluded. Additionally, the utilization of zones with moderate richness, A3 and A5, was unlikely to yield sufficient economic benefits and thus were also excluded. Ultimately, 8 waterways with significant potential utilization were identified (A2, A6, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, A13).