Modelling sea surface currents in the eastern coast of Bawean Island, East Java

Abstract

Bawean Island is located in the middle of the Java Sea, approximately 80 km north of Gresik Regency, East Java Province. The coastal area of Bawean Island is famous for its potential as a marine tourism area because it has a well-preserved coral reef ecosystem. The potential for tourism development on this island requires the support of environmental suitability. The dynamics of ocean currents as an important parameter for small island development is important to be analyzed. This study aims to determine the characteristics of currents in the eastern coast of Bawean Island through the hydro-oceanographic model. The data used in this modelling was hourly wind and tide data from the period of 2020-2021. The results showed that the velocity of surface current speed in the study area was weak (<0,5 m/s). There was a significant difference of current direction during the west monsoon season and the first transitional season. Validation of model simulation and ADCP measurements produce MAE values 0,014 and 0,035 as well as MAPE values 12,75% and 27,48%.