Mathematical Model of River Hooghly

Finite difference solutions to the one-dimensional equations of motion for shallow water waves have been applied to the tidal region of the River Hooghly. Reproduction of flow conditions was achieved by optimization of the friction parameters and refinements or adjustments to the available data. The mathematical model formulated is capable of satisfactory reproduction of tidal levels and velocities throughout the section of the river considered. The neglect of the tidal bore as a discontinuity did not adversely affect the overall reproduction of tidal elevations in the river. If a more detailed reproduction of the propagation of the bore is required recourse should be made to the method of characteristics. Comparison of the two finite difference schemes suggests that improvement in the overall accuracy of the model is unlikely to result from increased accuracy in the numerical solution of the equations of motion.