Modeling plan-form deltaic response to changes in fluvial sediment supply

J.H. Nienhuis, A.D. Ashton, Pieter C. Roos, Suzanne J.M.H. Hulscher, L. Giosan

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Abstract

This study focuses on the effects of changes in fluvial sediment supply on the plan-form shape of wave-dominated deltas. We apply a one-line numerical shoreline model to calculate shoreline evolution after (I) elimination and (II) time-periodic variation of fluvial input. Model results suggest four characteristic modes of wave-dominated delta development after abandonment. The abandonment mode is determined by the pre-abandonment downdrift shoreline characteristics and wave climate (which are, in turn, determined by previous delta evolution). For asymmetrical deltas experiencing shoreline instability on the downdrift flank, time-periodic variation in fluvial input influences the evolution of downdrift-migrating sandwaves. The frequency and magnitude of the riverine "forcing" can initiate a pattern that migrates away from the river mouth, interacting with the development of shoreline sandwaves. Model results suggest that long-period signals in fluvial delivery can be shredded by autogenic sand waves, whereas shorter-term riverine fluctuations can dominate the signal of the autogenic sandwaves. The insights provided by these exploratory numerical experiments provide a set of hypotheses that can be further tested using natural examples.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNCK-days 2012. Crossing borders in coastal research
EditorsW.M. Kranenburg, E.M. Horstman, K.M. Wijnberg
Place of PublicationEnschede
PublisherUniversity of Twente
Pages173-176
ISBN (Print)978-90-365-3342-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Mar 2012
EventNCK-Days 2012: Crossing borders in coastal research - Enschede, Netherlands
Duration: 13 Mar 201216 Mar 2012

Conference

ConferenceNCK-Days 2012
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityEnschede
Period13/03/1216/03/12

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