Long-term, process-based morphodynamic modeling of a fluvio-deltaic system, part I: The role of river discharge

Model results show that a fluvio-deltaic system develops with meandering channels and alternating sand bars in the estuarine part, and distributary channels with elongated sand bars in the delta. Sensitivity analysis shows that river discharge plays a profound role in the morphodynamic behavior by supplying sediment and enhancing ebb-directed residual transport. An intermediate river discharge can be defined which leads to a deeper estuarine basin. A river discharge smaller than the intermediate threshold limits ebb flow magnitude and erosive capacity. A river discharge larger than the threshold supplies much more sediment to the estuary so that the basin becomes shallower with larger meanders, more pronounced ebb tidal channels, and a larger delta. Based on our simulations we can differentiate tide-dominance from river-dominance in estuary classifications by ebb to flood ratios of flow and sediment fluxes. Overall, this modeling study extends understanding of morphodynamics of a comprehensive fluvio-deltaic system, thus allowing for a better management of estuaries and deltas.