Objective Estuaries, as the link between freshwater and marine environments, have a complex dynamic structure, so that 3-dimensional numerical modelling has to be performed with small space and time scales, resulting in high computation time and costs. The numerical code TELEMAC-3D is being developed in order to model efficiently estuarine processes, ie, tidal currents, thermal, salinity and sediment transports including the consolidation of deposits. The equations for salt and sediment transport are coupled with the shallow water equations in which turbulent transport is simulated using a mixing length approach with damping functions. Boundary conditions for sedimentation and erosion are coupled with a consolidation model using the Gibson equation. The estuary is schematized using finite elements and the equations solved using the element by element technique. The code can be used efficiently on vector computers.The factors influencing the development of a turbidity maximum are illustrated using the numerical results for an idealized estuary. The calculated hydrodynamics and salt intrusion in the Wester estuary (northern Germany) are shown to be in good agreement with measured data.PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Cohesive sediment transport in estuaries can lead to areas of high turbidity and associated environmental and economic problems due to pollutant and heavy metal transport and deposition. A three dimensional numerical model for the simulation of the hydrodynamics, transport of heat, salinity and cohesive sediment and the consolidation of deposited sediments will be developed as an aid to analysing and better understanding the dominant physical processes. The model will summarise the experience of existing models, taking into account the latest developments in numerical modelling techniques to include them in one composite model. The model will be tested using available field data. Fields of science natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeologysedimentology Programme(s) FP2-MAST 1 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of marine science and technology (MAST), 1989-1992 Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator Universität Hannover EU contribution No data Address Appelstraße 9a 30167 Hannover Germany See on map Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE France EU contribution No data Address Rue Louis Murat 2 75008 PARIS See on map Total cost No data
