Dynamic preservation of Texel Inlet, the Netherlands: understanding the interaction of an ebb-tidal delta with its adjacent coast

• Published in: Geologie en mijnbouw 2017-12, Vol.96 (4), p.293-317
• Main Authors: Elias, Edwin P.L., van der Spek, Ad J.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Anthropogenic factors; Basin geometry; Channels; Climate change; Coastal zone management; Coasts; Computational fluid dynamics; Deltas; Dynamics; Erosion; Erosion rates; Fluid flow; Human influences; Hydrodynamics; Inlets; Inlets (topography); Inlets (waterways); Original Article; Preservation; Rotation; Sand; Sea level; Sea level rise; Sediment; Sediment dynamics; Sediments; Shoals; Shoreline protection; Soil erosion; Stratigraphy; Tidal inlets
• ISSN: 0016-7746; 1573-9708
• DOI: 10.1017/njg.2017.34

Tidal inlets and the associated ebb-tidal deltas can significantly impact the coastal sediment budget due to their ability to store or release large quantities of sand. Nearly 300 million m3 (mcm) of sediments were eroded from Texel Inlet's ebb-tidal delta and the adjacent coasts following the closure of the Zuiderzee in 1932. This erosion continues even today as a net loss of 77 mcm was observed between 1986 and 2015. To compensate, over 30 mcm of sand has been placed on the adjacent coastlines since 1990, making maintenance of these beaches the most intensive of the entire Dutch coastal system. Highly frequent and detailed observations of both the hydrodynamics and morphodynamics of Texel Inlet have resulted in a unique dataset of this largest inlet of the Wadden Sea, providing an opportunity to investigate inlet sediment dynamics under the influence of anthropogenic pressure. By linking detailed measurements of bathymetric change to direct observations of processes we were able to unravel the various components that have contributed to the supply of sediment to the basin, and develop a four-stage conceptual model describing the multi-decadal adaptation of the ebb-tidal delta. Prior to closure of the Zuiderzee a dynamic equilibrium state (stage 1) existed with a stable ebb-tidal delta. The largest morphological changes occurred in roughly the first 40 years since the closure, and were dominated by the rotation and scouring of large tidal channels and landward retreat of the Noorderhaaks ebb shoal (stage 2; adaptation). Between 1975 and 2001 the general layout of main channels and shoals was stable, but large sediment losses continued to occur (stage 3; equilibrium erosional state). Since 2001, the erosion rates have significantly reduced to 2 mcm a−1 (stage 4; stabilisation). Twenty-five years of data on ‘Dynamic Preservation’ prove that sand nourishments are well capable of keeping the coastlines adjacent to the Texel Inlet in place. Moreover, the abundant supply of sediment may also have compensated for the sediment losses on the larger scale of the southern part of the ebb-tidal delta, resulting in a recent stabilisation of its volume. This response illustrates the potential benefits of Dynamic Preservation not only for coastline resilience but also on the larger scale of the inlet system. Such knowledge is essential for future preservation, management and maintenance of inlet systems in the scope of climate change and accelerated sea-level rise.