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The cross-sectional shape of tidal sandbanks: modeling and observations

The cross-sectional shape of tidal sandbanks: modeling and observations
The cross-sectional shape of tidal sandbanks: modeling and observations
To improve our understanding of tidal sandbank dynamics, we have developed a nonlinear morphodynamic model. A crucial property of the model is that it fully resolves the dynamics on the fast ( tidal) timescale, allowing for asymmetric tidal flow with an M-0, M-2, and M-4 component. This approach, extending earlier research on the formation of tidal sandbanks, leads to equilibrium profiles. Their heights ( 60 - 90% of the water depth) and shapes are controlled by the mode of sediment transport and the hydrodynamic conditions. Bed load transport under symmetrical tidal conditions leads to high spiky banks. Several mechanisms tend to lower and smooth these profiles, such as the relaxation of suspended sediment, wind wave stirring, and tidal asymmetry. This last causes the profiles to be asymmetric, as well. The morphodynamic equilibrium expresses a tidally averaged balance between a destabilizing flux due to fluid drag and the downslope transport induced by both tidal flow and wind wave stirring. The modeled profiles are in fair agreement with observations from the North Sea.
morphodynamics, tidal sandbanks, equilibrium profiles, southern North Sea, connected sand ridges, dynamics, banks, transport, bed, waves
0148-0227
F02003
Roos, Pieter C.
8747b1f3-334f-406b-a585-14b53164a675
Hulscher, Suzanne J.M.H.
a1727be5-177d-44a0-9978-afba1b894e5a
Knaapen, Michiel A.F.
748bf679-170f-402a-b80a-fcbd31142741
Van Damme, Ruud M.J.
9bf18ae8-8378-4ce7-b435-cb50caf91c79
Roos, Pieter C.
8747b1f3-334f-406b-a585-14b53164a675
Hulscher, Suzanne J.M.H.
a1727be5-177d-44a0-9978-afba1b894e5a
Knaapen, Michiel A.F.
748bf679-170f-402a-b80a-fcbd31142741
Van Damme, Ruud M.J.
9bf18ae8-8378-4ce7-b435-cb50caf91c79

Roos, Pieter C., Hulscher, Suzanne J.M.H., Knaapen, Michiel A.F. and Van Damme, Ruud M.J. (2004) The cross-sectional shape of tidal sandbanks: modeling and observations. Journal of Geophysical Research, 109 (F2), F02003. (doi:10.1029/2003JF000070).

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Abstract

To improve our understanding of tidal sandbank dynamics, we have developed a nonlinear morphodynamic model. A crucial property of the model is that it fully resolves the dynamics on the fast ( tidal) timescale, allowing for asymmetric tidal flow with an M-0, M-2, and M-4 component. This approach, extending earlier research on the formation of tidal sandbanks, leads to equilibrium profiles. Their heights ( 60 - 90% of the water depth) and shapes are controlled by the mode of sediment transport and the hydrodynamic conditions. Bed load transport under symmetrical tidal conditions leads to high spiky banks. Several mechanisms tend to lower and smooth these profiles, such as the relaxation of suspended sediment, wind wave stirring, and tidal asymmetry. This last causes the profiles to be asymmetric, as well. The morphodynamic equilibrium expresses a tidally averaged balance between a destabilizing flux due to fluid drag and the downslope transport induced by both tidal flow and wind wave stirring. The modeled profiles are in fair agreement with observations from the North Sea.

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Published date: 2004
Keywords: morphodynamics, tidal sandbanks, equilibrium profiles, southern North Sea, connected sand ridges, dynamics, banks, transport, bed, waves

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 27821
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/27821
ISSN: 0148-0227
PURE UUID: f4542c7c-31cd-4b9c-bbf6-db316ebaec4b

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Date deposited: 28 Apr 2006
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 07:21

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Contributors

Author: Pieter C. Roos
Author: Suzanne J.M.H. Hulscher
Author: Michiel A.F. Knaapen
Author: Ruud M.J. Van Damme

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