A new morphological schematization of the Western Scheldt estuary, The Netherlands

The present paper describes an analysis of the morphological integrityof the multiple channel system (MCS) of the Western Scheldt estuary. The tidal flats and surrounding ebb and flood channels form morphological cells, and the entire MCS can be schematized as a chain of such cells. The major ebb and flood channels have lost their one time function to feed and drain large tidal basins along the estuary. It is hypothesized that the MCS is now self-preserving as a result of the large gross sediment transport rates through these channels and the asymmetry of the channel system. From a stability analysis and computation of the gross sediment transports through the channels, the local and overall capacity of the estuary could be established to accommodate for the dumping of sediments dredged in the fairways of the estuary to safeguard navigation. This capacity compared favorably with the experience of the managing authorities. The scheme is used to evaluate a series of managing scenarios.Hydraulic EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience