The impact of sea level rise, upstream discharges, and morphology on tidal propagation in the Scheldt estuary
De Vrij, D. (2025). The impact of sea level rise, upstream discharges, and morphology on tidal propagation in the Scheldt estuary. MSc Thesis. University of Antwerp: Antwerp. 27 pp.
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| Keywords |
River morphology
Wave propagation > Tidal propagation
Scheldt Estuary [Marine Regions]
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| Author keywords |
Sea level rise; upstream discharges; numerical modelling |
| Authors | | Top |
- De Vrij, D.
- Plancke, Y., revisor, more
- Ides, S., revisor, more
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| Abstract |
This study investigates how sea level rise (SLR), upstream river discharges, and morphology influence tidal propagation throughout the Scheldt estuary. These phenomena, individually and combined, have significant implications for the estuary’s three core functions: flood protection, navigability, and ecological value. A calibrated 3D hydrodynamic model (SCALDIS 2020), developed in TELEMAC 3D, was used to simulate twelve scenarios combining variations in the aforementioned phenomena. Increased upstream discharge mainly impacts the upper estuary by raising water levels (particularly low water), reducing tidal range, and causing high water (HW) to arrive earlier while delaying low water (LW). Morphological changes such as intertidal area accretion amplify tidal wave propagation, leading to higher high waters and decreased delays for HW and LW. The combination of channel and intertidal area accretion reduces the tidal range and increases the delay for HW and LW due to reduced water depth. Sea level rise increases the overall tidal range and shifts tidal timing forward for both HW and LW. Crucially, intertidal area accretion reduces the estuary’s natural buffering capacity, intensifying SLR effects on both high and low water levels. These findings highlight the complex interplay between hydrodynamic and morphological changes and underline the importance of integrated estuarine management strategies that consider future climate scenarios. |
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