An Exploration of Bank Erosion Dynamics in a Hypertidal Estuarine System

Abstract

Hypertidal estuaries are very dynamic environments characterised by severe tidal ranges (>6 m) that can experience rapid rates of bankline retreat. Indeed, bank erosion is a well-recognised factor that can substantially influence channel hydraulics and sedimentary processes, while also impacting socio-ecological and economic elements in both riverine and tide-dominated settings. Whilst a large body of work on the processes, rates, patterns and factors driving bank erosion has been undertaken in fluvial environments, bank erosion processes in estuarine (especially hypertidal estuaries) settings is not well documented. In particular, the mutual role of stabilising and destabilising elements that affect the stability of estuarine banks with respect to mass failure have not been explored in detail before. In this study, the processes and trends leading to bank failure and consequent retreat in hypertidal estuaries is treated within the context of the Severn Estuary (UK) by employing a combination of numerical models and field-based observations. The nature and distribution of the erosive processes in hypertidal estuaries is explored and compared with their fluvial counterparts, helping to inform on the principal elements able to affect severe bank erosion in such environments.

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ORCID for Andrea Gasparotto: orcid.org/0000-0002-9320-5480

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