Thesis small scale equilibria in tidal basins

A data-analysis and case study in the Ameland Inlet

More Info
expand_more

Abstract

The behaviour of tidal basins has been predicted using a modelling approach in which a morphological equilibrium for an entire basin was used frequently in the past. Because tidal basins have, to an certain extend, a fractal nature, it is expected that this approach could be used with a morphological equilibrium for subbasins as well.

In the first part of this thesis the morphological equilibrium for subbasins is examined. A numerical simulation using tracers is conducted in order to find the watersheds of the Ameland Inlet. The watersheds are used to divide the basin into subbasins of different scales. These subbasins are used to find a morphological equilibrium between the channel volume and tidal prism. The applicability limitations of the morphological equilibrium relation are also investigated in this part of the research.

In the second part of the research the newfound equilibrium is applied in an Asmita model. The modelling exercise is done in order to showcase a proof of concept of the multi element modelling approach. In this modelling approach both a 6 and 10-element model are used to look for the spatial differences in morphological behaviour within a basin.

In the first part of this thesis an equilibrium for the channel volume with respect to the tidal prism of subbasins in the Ameland inlet is found. This equation can be applied to basins (Channel and flat combined) with a minimum area of 40 km². This limitation is for both the equilibrium study as the Asmita modelling. The modelling exercise proofs that the multi element Asmita modelling is possible and gives a good insight into the spatial differences in morphological behaviour within the Ameland Inlet.

Files

Thesis_small_scale_equilibria_... (pdf)
(pdf | 5.02 Mb)
- Embargo expired in 16-03-2022
Unknown license