Abstract: FVCOM is a fully 3D numerical model that is useful for coastal studies. In this study, the model was used to simulate the tides in the Pearl River Estuary and its adjacent sea, with model domain covering the river network, estuary and offshore sea. Data of tides table at 23 gauge stations were used to validate the model output. The validation results showed that the model is able to reproduce the irregular tidal variations in the Pearl River Estuary correctly. Tidal harmonic analysis of modeled tidal level was conducted, and co-tidal charts of the eight major tide constituents were shown and discussed. Tides in the Pearl River Estuary belong to the mixed tide in pattern, mainly semidiurnal, and the tide form factor ranges between 0.8 and 1.5. The shallow water constituents are very weak, with the sum of amplitude being less than 5 cm. Tidal range in the Pearl River Estuary was calculated, and its spatial distributions during neap and spring tides were presented. Tidal range varied from 2.2 to 3.1 m during spring tide, and between 0.6 and 1.1 m during neap tide.

Key words: Pearl River Estuary, tide, numerical simulation