Storm Surge Model for Singapore Strait and South China Sea Using Delft3d FM

Abstract

Abstract Singapore, a highly urbanized city-state, is characterized by its densely populated areas and economic centers situated close to the coastline. This proximity to the sea makes these areas particularly susceptible to coastal threats such as rising sea levels and storm surges. In response, we have developed a storm surge model that effectively simulates the initiation and movement of storm surges from the open sea towards the coast. The model is calibrated by ERA5 reanalysis data, which provides hourly wind information at a height of 10 meters and mean sea level pressure readings. We have carefully tuned the model’s wind drag coefficients by comparing them against data from existing tidal gauges. This calibrated model has been utilized to analyze the hydrodynamic behavior during four significant storm surge events that have occurred in recent years. Our study includes an examination of both the time series data and the maximum water levels, as well as sea level anomalies (SLA), specifically focusing on the data recorded at the Tanjong Pagar tidal station.