The estimation of estuary dimensions using a simplified form model and the exogenous controls
The estimation of estuary dimensions using a simplified form model and the exogenous controls
The most common definition of an equilibrium condition for estuaries and inlets makes use of the well documented relationship between tidal prism and the cross-sectional area of the channel. However, the tidal prism is itself a function of the morphology of the tidal basin. It would therefore be useful to be able to define the key dimensions of estuaries and inlets based on properties that are external to the estuary itself. This would then provide a more rigorous basis for understanding how systems are being 'perturbed' by developments, or other influences such as climate change. An idealized representation of the three-dimensional (3D) form of an estuary has been proposed and is here applied to a wide range of UK estuaries to explore its ability to predict the gross properties of a range of different estuary types. When considering just tidal flow, the model was found to provide an adequate representation, however, the inclusion of wave action was found to significantly improve the predictive power of the model. The exogenous parameters therefore provide a basis for determining the estuary dimensions and how they are likely to change over time. This in turn provokes a broader definition of an estuary than those commonly cited.
Estuary morphology, Landscape setting, Tides, UK, Waves
1573-1583
Townend, Ian
f72e5186-cae8-41fd-8712-d5746f78328e
9 May 2012
Townend, Ian
f72e5186-cae8-41fd-8712-d5746f78328e
Townend, Ian
(2012)
The estimation of estuary dimensions using a simplified form model and the exogenous controls.
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 37 (15), .
(doi:10.1002/esp.3256).
Abstract
The most common definition of an equilibrium condition for estuaries and inlets makes use of the well documented relationship between tidal prism and the cross-sectional area of the channel. However, the tidal prism is itself a function of the morphology of the tidal basin. It would therefore be useful to be able to define the key dimensions of estuaries and inlets based on properties that are external to the estuary itself. This would then provide a more rigorous basis for understanding how systems are being 'perturbed' by developments, or other influences such as climate change. An idealized representation of the three-dimensional (3D) form of an estuary has been proposed and is here applied to a wide range of UK estuaries to explore its ability to predict the gross properties of a range of different estuary types. When considering just tidal flow, the model was found to provide an adequate representation, however, the inclusion of wave action was found to significantly improve the predictive power of the model. The exogenous parameters therefore provide a basis for determining the estuary dimensions and how they are likely to change over time. This in turn provokes a broader definition of an estuary than those commonly cited.
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Published date: 9 May 2012
Keywords:
Estuary morphology, Landscape setting, Tides, UK, Waves
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Local EPrints ID: 469408
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/469408
ISSN: 0197-9337
PURE UUID: 6fe35227-49c9-4e3a-8787-8e9e1466f1c3
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Date deposited: 14 Sep 2022 16:46
Last modified: 17 Mar 2024 02:54
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