This study presents a 3D process-based morphodynamic model that uses orthogonal unstructured grids. It is designed for coastal applications involving complex bathymetry and varying spatial scales. The model extends the Delft3D-FM framework by incorporating full 3D representation of wave, wind, and density-driven effects in the short-wave-averaged, non-linear shallow water equations. The framework includes expressions for wave and roller effects on flow forcing, turbulence, and bed shear stress, and integrates sediment transport and morphodynamic feedback. Multi-fraction sediment transport is supported, and the model tracks stratigraphy through a layered bed composition framework. Features such as infragravity wave dynamics, sediment mass slumping, swash zone slope nudging and morphological acceleration techniques are incorporated to better capture long-term morphological trends as well as storm erosion. The framework supports in-memory model coupling and is fully parallelized, enabling efficient, large-scale simulations. Model verifications presented here include analytical benchmarks and comparisons with laboratory and field observations, demonstrating reliable reproduction of wave–current interaction, sediment transport rates, and bed level changes. The model has the potential to bridge the gap between high-resolution event-scale modelling and long-term morphodynamic prediction, offering a flexible framework to study coastal sedimentary dynamics.

Building high dykes is a common measure of coping with floods and plays an important role in agricultural management in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. However, the construction of high dykes causes considerable changes in hydrodynamics of the Mekong River. This paper aims to assess the impact of the high-dyke system on water level fluctuations and tidal propagation in the Mekong River branches. We developed a coupled 1-D to 2-D unstructured grid using Delft3D Flexible Mesh software. The model domain covered the Mekong Delta extending to the East (South China Sea) and West (Gulf of Thailand) seas, while the scenarios included the presence of high dykes in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle (LXQ), the Plain of Reeds (PoR) and the Trans-Bassac regions. The model was calibrated for the year 2000 high-flow season. Results show that the inclusion of high dykes changes the percentages of seaward outflow through the different Mekong branches and slightly redistributes flow over the low-flow and high-flow seasons. The LXQ and PoR high dykes result in an increase in the daily mean water levels and a decrease in the tidal amplitudes in their adjacent river branches. Moreover, the different high-dyke systems not only have an influence on the hydrodynamics in their own branch, but also influence other branches due to the Vam Nao connecting channel. These conclusions also hold for the extreme flood scenarios of 1981 and 1991 that had larger peak flows but smaller flood volumes. Peak flood water levels in the Mekong Delta in 1981 and 1991 are comparable to the 2000 flood as peak floods decrease and elongate due to upstream flooding in Cambodia. Future studies will focus on sediment pathways and distribution as well as climate change impact assessment.