A linear three-dimensional hydrodynamical numerical model, Heaps type, was implemented to the continental shelf of Maranhão State, aiming the simulation of the circulation generated by astronomical and meteorological effects in that area. Five runs of the model were performed, in order to compute the circulation in the shelf due to the following effects: principal lunar semi-diurnal component (M2), composition of the principal astronomical components in the area, mean summer meteorological conditions, mean winter meteorological conditions and tidal forcing in specific periods of interest. M2 cotidal maps and currents ellipses were obtained, that one being the most important component in the tidal circulation. Mean seasonal elevations and currents are generally much smaller than the astronomical ones, allowing the use of tidal forcing only in hydrodynamic predictions.The model simulations were satisfactory in the platform and less precise within bays and internal shallow areas, where significative delays are observed, due to effects of smaller scale than the one adopted by the model.
Numerical modelling; Three-dimensional linear models; Tidal currents; Drift currents; Cotidal maps; Mean seasonal circulations; Dissipative coefficients; Continental shelf of Maranhão State; Brazil