Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2015, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (5): 40-50.doi: 10.11978/2014095CSTR: 32234.14.2014095

• Marine Geomorphology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Numerical simulation of tidal hydrodynamics and sediment transport in Liverpool Bay

LUO Jing1, LI Ming2, SUN Zhi-lin1, WANG Wei2   

  1. 1. Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
    2.School of Engineering, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GQ, UK
  • Received:2014-08-19 Revised:2014-12-24 Online:2015-09-11 Published:2015-09-11

Abstract: In order to understand the influence of tide on sand exchange between an estuary and adjacent coastal region, three estuaries around North West England were chosen for detailed study using an open-source numerical morphological model system, TELEMAC. The source code of model was modified to customize tidal conditions and bed sand sizes. An “input- reduction” method was used to model sediment transport under several tides. “Morphological representative tide” was further achieved for long-term morphological modelling. It is clear that the dominant hydrodynamic processes of an estuary are influenced by tidal asymmetry. Local sediment transport is affected by seabed bathymetry and tidal asymmetry. Furthermore, shape and bathymetry of an estuary can influence tidal elevation and velocity. Tidal range can change transportation of the tidal wave which further changes the range of sediment transport.

Key words: tide, sediment transport, estuary, numerical model