Applicability of the MIKE21 Model for Simulating the Rip Current: A Case Study for Cam Ranh Bay, Khanh Hoa Coastal of Vietnam

N. T. Ngo1, 2, T. B. Nguyen3, 4, ✉

1 Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

2 VNU University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

3 Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

4 Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

✉ e-mail: ntbay@hcmut.edu.vn

Abstract

Purpose. Numerous drownings have been recorded killing dozens of beach bathers along the coastal zones of Khanh Hoa Province in Vietnam, most of which are recognized to be related to rip currents in recent years. The object of the study was, therefore, to simulate the rip current generations (RCGs) along the Bai Dai Beach of Cam Ranh Bay in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam by applying the MIKE21-NSW Model.

Methods and Results. In order to deploy this study, field surveys were conducted to collect the hydrodynamic characteristics and seabed topography during the period from December 10, 2012, to January 20, 2013. The performance of the MIKE21-NSW Model has been appraised by comparing the simulated results with the observed data and was in good agreement with SEIs (NASH = 0.76÷0.94, RMSE = 2.1÷14.1% and R2 = 0.79÷0.95).

Conclusions. Based on comparing the simulated model with the observed data, it was stated that the MIKE21-NSW Model can effectively characterize the rip current hazard for different beach surface states. The findings provide a useful reference for beach development management and early warm rip current across the study beach.

Keywords

MIKE21-NSW Model, rip current, seaward current, surf zone, wave-current interaction

Acknowledgements

Sincere gratitude is expressed to the reviewers who commented on the manuscript. We would like to thank Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM for providing time and facilities for this study.

For citation

Ngo, N.T. and Nguyen, T.B., 2023. Applicability of the MIKE21 Model for Simulating the Rip Current: A Case Study for Cam Ranh Bay, Khanh Hoa Coastal of Vietnam. Physical Oceanography, 30(4), pp. 508-521.

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