Tidal Evolution in the Scheldt Estuary and Its Interaction With Dredging Works
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XX: "The Art of Dredging" - 2013, Brussels, Belgium
Authors:
Taal M, Wang ZB, Kuijper K, Cleveringa J, Sas M
Abstract: This paper summarizes results of the 2011-2013 research programme on the physical characteristics of the Scheldt estuary in relation with estuary management. The program is executed jointly by scientists and consultants from The Netherlands and Flanders. The paper elaborates the relation between the morphology of the estuary and the development of the tide and discusses the impact of dredging works. The way a tidal wave propagates through an estuary, with a deformation of both its amplitude and its asymmetry, is crucial for the benefits of society of the estuary. The focus of the paper is mainly on the Western Scheldt, of which the development has played a more important role in the relation between The Netherlands and Flanders.
The present geometry of the Scheldt estuary is the result of its geological history and various human interventions, like embankments, land reclamation and the development and maintenance of the navigation channel. The evolutions of the tide and sediment budgets during the last century are presented, together with the results on amplification of tidal range (difference between high and low water level). The tidal range has increased over the past 110 years, especially in the more upstream parts of the estuary.
The evolution of the tide within the estuary is linked with sediment budgets and the channel geometry. From that, the influence on the tidal evolution of the dredging works and the disposal strategy, as part of a sediment management strategy, is discussed and a conceptual model is presented.
Keywords: Scheldt estuary, tidal range, tidal amplification, convergent estuary, disposal strategy, historical evolution of estuaries, multiple channel system, estuary management, sediment budgets, joint fact finding