The Inhomogeneous Impact of Low-water Storms on Intertidal Flats

Abstract (2017)

Authors

P.L.M. de Vet Environmental Fluid Mechanics - CEG
Bram van Prooijen Environmental Fluid Mechanics - CEG
B Walles NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
T Ysebaert NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
MC Schrijver Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
Zhengbing Wang Coastal Engineering - CEG
Research Group
Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering (CEG) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2017

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Hydraulic Engineering

Research Group

Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering

Abstract

Three key
factors that caused the erosion at the lower part of the intertidal area are
identified: (1) the peak of the storm (with the highest waves) occurred during
low water leaving the high elevations unexposed; (2) the storm surge induced
unusually high flow velocities during low water; (3) the water depth at the
lower part of the flat was small (±1 m) for several consecutive hours causing
the waves to be highly effective. A low-water storm is therefore very effective
in eroding the bed and should be considered as an important morphological event
for specific parts of the tidal flats. Despite the fast recovery of the bed,
the initial bed level was not reached. This implies that the storm has a
longterm effect as well. Although long-term morphological consequences seem
limited by the fast recovery, ecological consequences are expected to be
substantial.