Process-based and semi-empirical modelling approaches on tidal inlet evolution

Present study compares and contrasts tidal inlet evolution based on two modelling approaches: 1) Process-based model (Delft3D) and 2) Semi-empirical model (ASMITA). Temporal and spatial evolution of inlet elements can be investigated in the Delft3D model in contrast to the equilibrium evolution of e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of coastal research 2011-01, Vol.SI (64), p.1013-1017
Main Authors: Dissanayake, D.M.P.K., Ranasinghe, R., Roelvink, J.A., Wang, Z.B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coastal Modelling
Coastal zone management
Computational fluid dynamics
Computer simulation
Evolution
Geomorphology
Inlets
Mathematical models
Modelling
Sea level
Sea level rise
Simulation
Tidal inlets
Tides
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Summary:Present study compares and contrasts tidal inlet evolution based on two modelling approaches: 1) Process-based model (Delft3D) and 2) Semi-empirical model (ASMITA). Temporal and spatial evolution of inlet elements can be investigated in the Delft3D model in contrast to the equilibrium evolution of element volumes in the ASMITA model. The model simulations were undertaken in decadal time scale and based on a highly schematised tidal inlet representing average hydrodynamic and physical characteristics of the Ameland inlet in the Dutch Wadden Sea. Sensitivity of the inlet evolution to future relative sea level rise (RSLR) scenarios was investigated applying an established morphology. Results of the ASMITA model predicted strong initial adaptation period and that was clearly evident after extending the simulation period. Element evolution of both models tends to converge implying that the inlet is developed towards the state of equilibrium/stable. Both approaches resulted in flood dominant inlet systems which strongly correspond to contemporary data of the Ameland inlet. Prescribing accurate element areas of the ASMITA model is prerequisite though these areas are assumed to be constant. The tidal flat evolution predicted the highest sensitivity to the rate of RSLR in both cases. The initial adaptation period increases as the rate of RSLR increases and thus predicted evolutions tend to weakly agree.
ISSN:0749-0208
1551-5036