This study focuses on modeling the tidal dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). In particular, the study adresses the problem of differentiating the sources of tidal energy in this semi-enclosed sea. Tidal energy can enter the basin through propagation of tidal signals through the straits connecting the GoM to the Atlantic Ocean, or by local tidal gravitational forces imparted by celestial bodies. This study provides new estimates of the tidal response in the GoM due to these different forcing and mechanisms using numerical model experiments with tidal forcing imposed at the open boundaries (OB) and by the local tidal potential (LTP). It also provides new estimates of total tidal power and tidal energy fluxes in the GoM. Analyses are performed with the Navy Coastal Ocean Model run in a barotropic configuration with high horizontal resolution (1/60°). The simulations are compared with observations and previous studies. Results show that diurnal tides in the GoM are dominantly due to the co-oscillation with the western Atlantic, and that a substantial amount of semidiurnal tidal energy enters the Gulf through the straits as well. However, the LTP significantly modifies the propagation of the semidiurnal tidal signal in the GoM, and slightly reduces the tidal power asssociated with the diurnal tides in the basin.

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