Projects

Introduction

Worldwide, there is an urgent need for accurate, computationally fast 3D hydrostatic models for salt intrusion predictions. This project will deliver such a validated model, including coastal ocean-delta coupling and parameterised non-hydrostatic sub-grid physics. Application of this model will provide important new physical insight into the role of the coupled system on salt intrusion, and how salt intrusion could be impacted by deepening of estuaries and opening of gates and locks.

Project description

In this project a generic 3D salt intrusion model is developed including the effects of human interventions and sea-delta coupling, and natural NHS processes (project 2). It will be delivered to the Virtual Delta Project 9. To circumvent limitations in computational power, the 3D model basis will be hydrostatic and NHS physics included as parameterizations.

This main scientific challenge addressed in this project is to develop an accurate 3D HS model suitable for scenario modelling for salt intrusion studies of the current situation, for mitigation and control measures and for climate change impacts, that includes locks and gates and correctly incorporates the offshore open boundary in order to properly include the coupled delta-ocean response. The new approach adopted in this project is in parameterising the NHS physical processes that occur at lock and gates. The parameterised NHS physics of dynamic open systems, addressed in project 1, will be included too.

Work packages and research questions

The project addresses the central objective focusing on the dynamics of open systems (WP3.1), the gates (WP3.2) and the lock system (WP3.3).

Project deliverables

• Coupled model with parameterised NHS physics from high and low dynamic systems (WP 3.1)
• Physical insight into the role of the coupled system on salt intrusion (WP 3.1)
• Parameterised nonhydrostatic effects from scour holes (WP 3.2)
• Parameterised nonhydrostatic effects from locks, including bubble plumes (WP 3.3)