  A prediction model for the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) induced by
tidal-currents is proposed as a function of the barotropic velocity only, along
with a robust method evaluating the different parameters involved using
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements from Alderney Race. We
find that the model is able to reproduce correctly the TKE profiles with
coefficients of correlation on average higher than 0.90 and normalised
root-mean-square errors (NRMSE) less than 14%. Different profiles are also
tested for the mean velocity, no satisfactory prediction model is found but we
are able to have decent estimates of the velocity shear and friction velocity.
Two applications are then carried out. First the turbulent budget terms are
estimated and discussed. We identify the turbulent production and dissipation
of TKE as the most important mechanisms, then we discuss the validity of
several theoretical results derived for isotropic turbulence for this
application. A strong departure for the estimation of the turbulent dissipation
is notably found and explained by the turbulent anisotropy. At last the
prediction model for the TKE is used to infer the wave-induced TKE. We show the
importance of removing the tidal component, waves can have a strong influence
down to mid-depth.

Fluid Dynamics;Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics