Abstract
This paper describes the occurrence of the front around the head of Tokyo Bay. Salinity, temperature and ADCP measurements were performed in Tokyo Bay during a spring tide on 21st November 2002. It was revealed the estuary circulation was suppressed and the down-welling appeared as a result of the front during the spring tide. Numerical computations were used to clarify the mechanism responsible for the front. A non-hydrostatic three-dimensional model (MEL3D) demonstrated the front at the bay mouth for a case when large tidal amplitude coincided with weak stratification. A two-dimensional two-layer model was used to confirm whether the stability of interface due to flow is significant for the occurrence of the front. As a result, the change in water depth and width are significant for the occurrence of the front in terms of the two-layer model.
