Author(s): George P. Schramkowski; Jeroen Stark

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Process-based models; Physical mechanisms; Tidal estuaries; Turbidity maxim

Abstract: iFlow is a width-averaged idealized process-based model that describes the global tidal water motion and sediment dynamics in tidally dominated estuaries. Here ‘idealized' implies that planimetry and bathymetry are described by a representative approximation (basically a smooth fit). Additionally, only physical processes that are deemed to be relevant are taken into account. Hence, the idealized modeling approach is complementary to the more commonly adopted complex models like Telemac or Delft3D that pursue a very detailed description. The main advantages of an idealized model like iFlow are twofold. First, it enables the direct identification of individual physical mechanisms which includes an assessment of their relative importance. Second, the reduced model setup leads to short simulation times so that extensive sensitivity studies can be performed. In this contribution two successful applications of iFlow will be reviewed, including the dynamics of turbidity maxima in the Scheldt and the transition to hyperturbidity in the Ems estuary. The advantages and limitations of iFlow as well as ongoing and future model developments (e. g. extension to a 3D model) are briefly discussed.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p1674-cd

Year: 2023