Modelling Approaches To Understand Salinity Variations In Highly Dynamic Tidal Environments

Salinity is a key parameter in coastal and estuarine environments, influencing a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological processes. In highly dynamic tidal environments, salinity can vary dramatically over short time scales, making it challenging to understand and predict its behavior. Numerical modelling is a powerful tool that can be used to investigate salinity variations in these environments, and a variety of different approaches can be used depending on the specific system under study.

The salinity of a tidal environment is determined by a number of physical processes, including:

• Tidal forcing: The rise and fall of the tide causes water to flow in and out of estuaries and coastal areas, bringing in salt water from the ocean and flushing out fresh water from rivers and streams.
• River discharge: The amount of fresh water flowing into an estuary can significantly affect its salinity. During periods of high river discharge, salinity will be lower, while during periods of low river discharge, salinity will be higher.
• Evaporation: Evaporation can also lead to increases in salinity, as water evaporates from the surface of the water body, leaving behind the dissolved salts.
• Precipitation: Precipitation can lead to decreases in salinity, as rainwater dilutes the salt water in the water body.
• Wind: Wind can also affect salinity, by driving water currents and mixing the water column.

A variety of different modelling approaches can be used to investigate salinity variations in highly dynamic tidal environments. These approaches can be broadly divided into two categories:

Modelling Approaches to Understand Salinity Variations in a Highly Dynamic Tidal River: The Case of the Shatt al-Arab River (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)

by William Temple Hornaday

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• Process-based models: Process-based models simulate the physical processes that govern salinity variations, such as tidal forcing, river discharge, evaporation, precipitation, and wind. These models can be used to investigate the relative importance of different processes and to predict salinity variations under different scenarios.
• Data-driven models: Data-driven models use statistical techniques to identify relationships between salinity and other environmental variables, such as water temperature, depth, and turbidity. These models can be used to predict salinity variations based on historical data, and they can also be used to identify areas where salinity is likely to be high or low.

The choice of modelling approach will depend on the specific system under study and the goals of the modelling effort. Process-based models are typically more accurate but also more complex and time-consuming to develop. Data-driven models are less accurate but easier to develop and can be used to make predictions based on limited data.

Salinity modelling has a wide range of applications in coastal and estuarine management, including:

• Predicting salinity variations: Salinity models can be used to predict salinity variations under different scenarios, such as changes in river discharge, climate change, or land use. This information can be used to develop management plans to mitigate the effects of salinity on ecological resources and human activities.
• Identifying areas of high or low salinity: Salinity models can be used to identify areas where salinity is likely to be high or low. This information can be used to site aquaculture facilities, protect sensitive habitats, and manage water resources.
• Assessing the impacts of salinity variations: Salinity models can be used to assess the impacts of salinity variations on ecological resources and human activities. This information can be used to develop management plans to mitigate the negative effects of salinity and to enhance the benefits of salinity.

Salinity is a key parameter in coastal and estuarine environments, and understanding its behavior is essential for managing these ecosystems. Numerical modelling is a powerful tool that can be used to investigate salinity variations in highly dynamic tidal environments, and a variety of different approaches can be used depending on the specific system under study. The applications of salinity modelling are wide-ranging, and this tool can be used to inform management decisions and protect coastal and estuarine resources.

Modelling Approaches to Understand Salinity Variations in a Highly Dynamic Tidal River: The Case of the Shatt al-Arab River (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)

by William Temple Hornaday

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22933 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	145 pages

FREE