What internal length scale determines the tidal bar length in estuaries?

Abstract

Tidal bars are noticeable features in many estuaries. Understanding their dynamic formation is important as they hamper ships and they play a crucial role for the ecosystem. This study is concerned with the key factors that determine the length of the (free) tidal bars. Observations in Dalrymple and Rhodes (1995) and by Leuven et al. (2016) showed a correlation between the tidal bar length and estuary width. Models studies by Seminara and Tubino (2001) and Schramkowski et al. (2002) showed that, initially, the tidal bars can only occur when the width-todepth ratio, the friction parameter and the tidal current amplitude exceed a certain critical value. Schramkowski et al. (2002) also suggested that for wider channels, the tidal excursion length is an important scale in determining the tidal bar length. Hibma et al. (2004) compared the results from a complex numerical model to the idealised models of Schramkowski et al. (2002) and Seminara and Tubino (2001) and suggested that the estuary depth influences the tidal bar length. From these studies not clear answer emerges on the question: ‘what internal length scale determines the tidal bar length?’. The aim is therefore to bridge the gap between different models and observations by building on, and extending previous model work.