Abstract:

Based on the Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Numerical Model(FVCOM), a high-resolution hydrodynamic model was established
to study the tides and tidal energetics in the Bering Strait and its adjacent sea areas. The model results were found in
good agreement with tide gauge and current data, and the model simulated the hydrodynamics well. Co-tidal charts and the
tidal current ellipses of the major constituents were drawn and they were discussed using the calculated results. It was shown
that the M2 constituent is dominant in the Bering Sea Shelf, Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea, whereas the K1 constituent is
dominant in Norton Sound. The M2 constituent tidal current velocity is larger in the area of the southeast Bering Sea shelf and
Anadyr Bay. The maximum tidal current velocity of the K1 constituent appears in Norton Sound. The model output indicated
that the tidal energy flux is small and that the total energy dissipation of the major constituents in the research area is about
751 MW; the M2 tidal energy dissipation accounts for 52% and the K1 tidal energy dissipation accounts for 38%. When the
tide enters the Bering Sea shelf, most of the M2 constituent energy is dissipated to the south of St. Lawrence Island, while
most of the K1 constituent energy is dissipated in Norton Sound.

Key words: Bering Strait, tide, tidal energy, tidal dissipation, numerical simulation