Effects of a stratified tidal flow on the morphodynamics

This thesis examines the effects of the stratified tidal flow on the morphodynamics of the Dutch inner shelf. The south portion of the Dutch inner shelf is strongly influenced by the Rhine River ROFI (Region Of Freshwater Influence), which is generated by the discharge from the Rhine River through the Rotterdam waterways. Under stratified...

Wave Generation of Gravity-Driven Sediment Flows on a Predominantly Sandy Seabed

Wave-supported gravity flows (WSGFs) generate rates of sediment flux far exceeding other cross-shelf transport processes, contributing disproportionately to shelf morphology and net cross-shelf fluxes of sediment in many regions worldwide. However, the conditions deemed necessary for the formation of WSGF limit them to a narrow set of shelf...

Cross-shore stratified tidal flow seaward of a mega-nourishment

The Sand Engine is a 21.5 million m³ experimental mega-nourishment project that was built in 2011 along the Dutch coast. This intervention created a discontinuity in the previous straight sandy coastline, altering the local hydrodynamics in a region that is influenced by the buoyant plume generated by the Rhine River. This work...

Cross-shore transport of nearshore sediment by river plume frontal pumping

We present a new mechanism for cross-shore transport of fine sediment from the nearshore to the inner shelf resulting from the onshore propagation of river plume fronts. Onshore frontal propagation is observed in moorings and radar images, which show that fronts penetrate onshore through the nearshore and surf zone, almost to the waterline....

Field observation of wave damping by fluid mud

Extensive mud deposits are found off Cassino Beach, Brazil. The wave damping over the muddy bottom was studied using field measurements. By applying a technique of spectral analysis we showed that the wave attenuation occurred differently throughout the wave spectra. Field measurements revealed that the maximum wave energy dissipation took...

Near-Bottom Currents on the Middle Shoreface in the Presence of the Rhine River Plume

The South-Holland coast of the Netherlands undergoes the influence of the Rhine river plume released from the Rotterdam waterways. An experiment, STRAINS, was conducted to study the impact of the fresh water on the nearshore hydrodynamics and sand transport. As part of the experiment, an instrumented bottom frame measured the near-bed...

Near-bottom currents on the middle shoreface in the presence of the Rhine River plume

The South-Holland coast of the Netherlands undergoes the influence of the Rhine river plume released from the Rotterdam waterways. An experiment, STRAINS, was conducted to study the impact of the fresh water on the nearshore hydrodynamics and sand transport. As part of the experiment, an instrumented bottom frame measured the near-bed...