1.   Purposes and objectives

     Fundamentals, theory and practice of tides and storm surges, as well as instruments for measurements in tidal areas are described. The material was prepared for use in training workshops.

2.   Description

     Coastal areas and estuaries are transition zones, which are subject to continental processes as well as maritime processes. Therefore, inland as well as oceanic influences must be considered in coastal engineering, tide and storm surge analysis and storm surge forecasting.

     The main topics covered are: tidal theory, harmonic characteristics of tides, tidal regimes in the oceans and in coastal waters, storm surges in coastal areas, tides and storm surges in estuaries, storm surge forecasting and mathematical modelling.

     A second part deals with measuring instruments for use in coastal areas: the purpose of measurements, measurements of water level, currents in near-shore regions, waves and sediments and suspensions.

     The manual is intended to provide a useful introduction to the subject for engineers who would otherwise find it difficult to access the great mass of material published in different countries, and written in different languages. It provides a general view of processes in the near-coastal region and in estuaries, it shows how to analyse what is happening and how to meet the challenge of the seas, particularly as regards tides and storm surges.

3.   Input

     Not applicable.

4.   Output

     Not applicable.

5.   Operational requirements and restrictions

     Not applicable.

6.   Form of presentation

     Manual, in English (312 pages).

7.   Operational experience

     The material has been used in several workshops.

8.   Originator and technical support

     HOMS National Reference Centre for the Federal Republic of Germany.

9.   Availability

     From the HOMS National Reference Centre for the Federal Republic of  Germany.

10.  Conditions on use

     Free of charge.