Abstract
We describe a mathematical model of the sediment transport resulting from cross-shore tidal currents on an intertidal mudflat. The model is integrated numerically to determine the long-term ("equilibrium") behaviour of the morphodynamic system, and to investigate how the morphology of the flats depends on tidal range and sediment supply. Under a sinusoidal tide, the equilibrium flat is approximately linear below mean sea level (MSL) and convex above MSL, and advances seawards over long timescales. The cross-shore width of the flat is independent of tidal range, and increases with increasing sediment supply. Tidal asymmetry (flood- or ebb-dominance) leads to a steeper flat, and ebb-dominance can cause the flat to retreat landwards in the long term. Under a spring-neap tidal cycle, the shape of the equilibrium profile is very similar to that for a fixed tidal range, but the rate of accretion is significantly reduced.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1887-1895 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Continental Shelf Research |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 11-13 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2002 |
Keywords
- Estuaries
- Intertidal mudflats
- Intertidal sedimentation
- Mathematical models
- Morphodynamics