Estuaries are coastal regions characterised by complex hydrodynamics, involving mixing of fresh and saline water, tidal motion and river flow. This results in transport and entrapment of sediments. Trapping locations (estuarine turbidity maxima, ETM) are sensitive to variations in external forcing (storms, sea level rise, river flooding), site-specific bathymetry (islands, navigation channels, shoals) and sediment characteristics. The goal of this research project is to gain understanding of ETM dynamics and the sensitivity to changing conditions. More information can be found in the project description. I am interested in the (morpho)dynamics of tidal embayments. Two approaches will be taken:
- In the first approach an idealized basin geometry will be studied. Using this approach the influence of boundary conditions, length and width of the embayment and sediment transport formulations on the formation of channels and shoals in the embayment will be studied. Using this approach it is hoped to gain more insight in the mechanisms resulting in the formation of the channel-shoal systems.
- Secondly, realistic geometries will be studied. We hope to be able to qualitatively simulate the morphodynamic evolution as observed in the field.
I try to understand the formation of multiple turbidity maxima in partially mixed estuaries. To study this, a 2DV idealized model is developed, analysed and results are compared with data.It is found that under well-mixed conditions two turbidity maxima can exist, during stratified conditions, only one maximum is found. This agrees well with observations in the York river (US).
