Abstract
The consistent use of the Galerkin finite element method in all space coordinates is made with the basis functions: the two-dimensional linear and Chebyshev polynomial functions in the horizontal and vertical, respectively. For explicit time-marching, the Kawachi and forward-time schemes are employed for the coupled flow and salt transport equations respectively. Incorporation of these schemes in the spatially discrete equations is successfully achieved with the aid of the selective consistency technique. Useful guides for determination of the time increment that allows stable computations are given through a simple theoretical analysis. Computing the wind-induced circulation in a fictitious basin, the capability of the model is tested in terms of the steady-state appearance of velocity and salinity profiles in relation to the key parameters. It has been concluded that the model has high versatility, flexibility and efficiency in solving real flow problems under the shallow water assumption, and thus, it is capable of being an alternative to the established models of the same family.
