Investigation of input reduction techniques for morphodynamic modeling of complex inlets with baroclinic forcing

Guy R. Gelfenbaum; Edwin Elias; Andrew W. Stevens

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USGS · 70193367

Investigation of input reduction techniques for morphodynamic modeling of complex inlets with baroclinic forcing

Guy R. Gelfenbaum·Edwin Elias·Andrew W. Stevens

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Abstract

The Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) is a complex estuary inlet system characterized by a buoyant plume created by high freshwater flows from the Columbia River into the Pacific Ocean. Data obtained during two major field campaigns have resulted in a comprehensive dataset of hydrodynamics and sediment transport under high (2013) and low (2005) river flow conditions. Through the analysis of this data and model simulations obtained with the Delft3D (MCR) model application we explored the importance and effect of stratification on sand-sized sediment for short- and long-term sediment transport simulations. Stratification influences the sediment transport through much of the estuary, and significantly reduces sediment export at the MCR. A correlation analysis reveals that a similar representative tide that best approximates the spring-neap averaged transport can be selected for both stratified and non-stratified flow. This correspondence implies that standard morphodynamic tide schematizations (e.g. Lesser, 2009) may also be valid in the stratified conditions found at MCR and other highly stratified estuaries.

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Conference Paper

Source-reported bounding extent: 46.091329046507695° to 46.3507193554773° latitude; -124.09744262695312° to -123.01254272460938° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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BibTeX RIS

Guy R. Gelfenbaum, Edwin Elias, Andrew W. Stevens. 2017. Investigation of input reduction techniques for morphodynamic modeling of complex inlets with baroclinic forcing. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70193367

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