Two-channel system dynamics of the outer weser estuary—a modeling study

Two-channel system dynamics of the outer weser estuary—a modeling study

Gundlach, Jannek (Leibniz Universität)
Zorndt, Anna (Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute (BAW))
van Prooijen, Bram (TU Delft Environmental Fluid Mechanics)
Wang, Zhengbing (TU Delft Coastal Engineering; Deltares)

2021

In this paper, we unravel the mechanisms responsible for the development of the two-channel system in the Outer Weser Estuary. A process-based morphodynamic model is built based on a flat-bed approach using simplified boundary conditions and accelerated morphological develop-ment. The results are analyzed in two steps: first, by checking for morphodynamic equilibrium in the simulations and second, by applying a newly developed method that interprets simulations based on categorization of the two-channel system and cross-sectional correlation analysis. All simulations reach a morphodynamic equilibrium and develop two channels that vary considerably over time and between the simulations. Variations can be found in the location and depth of the two channels, the development of the dominant channel over time and the alteration in the dominance pattern. The conclusions are that the development of the two-channel system is mainly caused by the tides and the basin geometry. Furthermore, it is shown that the alternation pattern and period are dependent on the dominance of the tides compared to the influence of river discharge.

Delft3D
Long-term
Morphodynamics
Two-channel

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f09af991-0b93-4119-b5b8-fd538c7f2120

https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9040448

2077-1312

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 9 (4)

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2021 Jannek Gundlach, Anna Zorndt, Bram van Prooijen, Zhengbing Wang