The NSWC Global Ocean Tide Data Tape (GOTD), Its Features and Application, Random-Point Tide Program.

Abstract : In the following report, the authors highlight briefly the major qualitative and quantitative features of the NSWC ocean tide models, which now include the nine components (M2, S2, N2, K2), (K1, O1, P1, Q1), and Mf with models for Mn and Ssa nearing completion. Special characteristics of those models are pointed out, which require indispensable attention in various applications particularly in coastal areas with rapidly varying tides. Since the tide models interpolate hydrodynamically empirical tide data at over 2000 continental and island stations, certain simple corrections in the numerical procedures are presented. Plans for more extensive local and perhaps global refinements and improvements of the tide models are mentioned. In the final part of this report, the authors describe the NSWC Global Ocean Tide Data (GOTD) tape including the data arrangement and the standard format. The report ends with a program that computes from the taped harmonic tidal constants instantaneous oceanic and geocentric tides at specified random points and instances in the Random-Point Tide (RPTIDE) program. (Author)