Morphodynamic Modelling in Tidal and Estuarine Environments

Morphodynamic Modelling in Tidal and Estuarine Environments: A Heuristic Investigation into Methods to Model Medium-Term Meso-scale Morphological Features

Harlequin, Denzel (TU Delft Civil Engineering and Geosciences)

van Prooijen, Bram (mentor)
Elias, E.P.L. (graduation committee)
Pearson, S.G. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Civil Engineering | Hydraulic Engineering | Coastal Engineering

2021-07-16

The overarching aim of this research is to contribute towards a best practice in modelling meso-scale O(10km), medium-term O(5yrs.) morphological features in Tidal & Estuarine environments. Therefore, various modelling aspects and stages are reviewed. The first pillar argues the need for numerical models in the Geomorphological Engineering discipline on the basis of a brief overview of the historic advances in numerical modelling. Next, the foundation of a numerical model is considered by means of a concise overview of numerical discretisation techniques and their characteristics. We assess the representation of the typical set of physical processes that one may encounter in present-day morphodynamic models and compare their (mathematical) representation following from the underlying choice of discretisation technique. Hereto, we refrain ourselves to the two commonly used methods - finite element and finite difference method. The second pillar gives an overview of the methods that geomorphologists may employ to reduce the model input, and methods to accelerate morphological computations. The last pillar sheds light on different methods that may be applied by geomorphologists to give more insight into the performance of morphodynamic models. These results can, in turn, be of considerable interest in the pursuit to quantitatively validate model predictions. Lastly, this research is concluded with a set of interviews wherein esteemed applied morphodynamic experts were asked about their perception on a possible best practice in modelling skillful meso-scale features in the timeframe of reference. This research hints, therefore, towards an overarching systematic strategy that could be applied by geomorphologists to acquire accurate morphodynamic model predictions on the temporal scale of 5-10 years and for meso-scale features in the order of tens of kilometres.

Morphodynamic modelling
Tidal Inlet Systems
Estuarine Morphology
Delft 3D
Model Validation
Model Skill
Model Accuracy
Model Acceleration Techniques
Model Calibration
Model Discretisation Techniques
Finel 3D
input reduction
Ebb-Tidal Delta
Western Scheldt
Delfland Coast
Ameland Inlet
Wadden Sea

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:c5e7db8d-b71f-41e6-ab04-15cbd3d79d84

Student theses

student report

© 2021 Denzel Harlequin