Morphodynamics of tidal networks: Advances and challenges

• Published in: Marine geology 2013-12, Vol.346, p.1-16
• Main Authors: Coco, Giovanni, Zhou, Z., van Maanen, B., Olabarrieta, M., Tinoco, R., Townend, I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological; biomorphodynamics; Evolution; Joining; laboratory experiments; Marine geology; Mathematical models; Modelling; morphodynamic modelling; Networks; tidal flats; tidal networks
• ISSN: 0025-3227; 1872-6151
• DOI: 10.1016/j.margeo.2013.08.005

Tidal network morphodynamics is an active field of research and advances achieved over the last decade, particularly with respect to laboratory experiments and numerical modelling, have lead to fundamental insight about their functioning. We address how these advances have specifically contributed to the understanding of tidal network functioning, including the interaction between physical and biological processes. We discuss how the prediction of the long-term evolution of tidal networks is still limited and we focus on how it is hampered by three specific challenges. We first discuss the approach to long-term predictions, then focus on the coupling between physical and biological processes, and finally attempt to introduce the role of anthropic drivers in the evolution of these systems. •Bio-physical feedbacks drive the long-term evolution of tidal networks.•Humans will play an increasing role in the long-term evolution of tidal networks.•Laboratory experiments provide insight on tidal network functioning.•A range of numerical models exist but predictive capability is limited.