Salinity in the Belgian coastal zone

Ecological and morphological studies in the Scheldt Estuary rely on correct salinity distributions within the estuary, and thus an accurate description of the salinity in the coastal zone is needed. The distribution and variability of the salinity of the Belgian coastal waters is influenced by the freshwater discharges of the major European rivers discharging in the Southern North Sea, and the circulation in the North Sea. The importance of the major rivers (Scheldt, Rhine/Meuse and the Thames) is investigated with passive tracers in the CSM (Continental Shelf Model) and ZUNO (ZUidelijke NOordzeemodel) models (RWS-Waterdienst & Deltares). Furthermore the reaction of the salinity distribution to storms and large freshwater discharge events is evaluated.