Validation¶
Validation Approach¶
The FVCOM tidal models were validated by the modeling team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) against observational data at each location. Validation studies compared modeled tidal currents and water levels against in-situ measurements from NOAA tide gauges, ADCP deployments, and other observational platforms.
Detailed validation results are published in peer-reviewed journals. Key findings are summarized below by location.
Cook Inlet, Alaska¶
Deb et al. [@ak_cook_deb2025_characterizing] characterized in-stream turbulent flow for tidal energy converter siting, validating the model against observations in Cook Inlet.
Aleutian Islands, Alaska¶
Spicer et al. [@ak_aleutian_spicer2025_spatially] examined spatially varying seasonal modulation of tidal stream energy potential due to mixed tidal regimes.
Western Passage, Maine¶
Two validation studies have been published:
- Yang et al. [@me_western_yang2020_modeling] assessed tidal energy extraction modeling
- Deb et al. [@me_western_deb2023_turbulence] examined turbulence modeling for resource characterization
Piscataqua River, New Hampshire¶
Spicer et al. [@nh_piscataqua_spicer2023_tidal] studied how tidal energy extraction modifies tidal asymmetry and transport in the estuary.
Salish Sea, Washington¶
Three validation studies have been published:
- Yang et al. [@wa_puget_yang2021_tidal] characterized the tidal stream energy resource in the Salish Sea
- Deb et al. [@wa_puget_deb2024_tidal_iec] performed hydrokinetic tidal energy resource assessment following IEC guidelines
- Spicer et al. [@wa_puget_spicer2024_localized] examined how localized tidal energy extraction can modify barotropic tides system-wide