Modeling the morphodynamics of the mouth of the Scheldt estuary

Recent research on the Scheldt estuary mainly focused on the Western Scheldt. There is now a renewed interest in the mouth of the estuary as the Flemish government explores the feasibility of large-scale morphological interventions in that area. This paper describes the ongoing development of a process-based numerical model (Delft3D) of the Scheldt estuary. The so-called Delft3D-NeVla model computes morphodynamics forced by waves, tide, wind and river discharge, and affected by sediment dredging and dumping to maintain navigation channels at the desired depth. After further calibration and validation, the Delft3D-NeVla model will become an important tool to understand and predict the morphodynamics of the mouth of the estuary due to natural processes and large-scale morphological interventions such as relocation of navigation channels.