Chapter 13 Morphodynamic modeling of tidal basins and coastal inlets

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the morphodynamic evolution of tidal basins and coastal inlets, which is a complex issue. Due to the complexity, scientific attention is spent on uninterrupted coasts and rivers. Ecologically and socio-economically tidal basins and coastal inlets are of high importance. The derivation in the chapter explains that tidal basins with relatively shallow channels require relatively wide flats, and that tidal basins with relatively deep channels require relatively narrow flats to create zero asymmetry-induced sand transport, thus promoting dynamic equilibrium. By accepting these semi-empirical observations of dynamic equilibrium, an aggregated-scale model assesses the macroscale response of tidal basins and ebb-tidal deltas to natural and human forcing. Morphodynamic response of tidal basins consists of a complex mix of several time scales, which may differ in the order-of-magnitude.