Engineering Model for Well‐Mixed Tidal Basin

Abstract

A simple representation for a tidal basin with freshwater input is described. By assuming the conditions are well‐mixed within the basin, it is possible to develop an elementary analysis for predicting salinities in the basin and sediment transport between the estuary and the basin due to density exchange flow. The results of the analysis are presented in a generalized manner and this enables first estimates for some prototype situations to be made easily and with a minimal amount of field data. Some very simple physical model tests, described in the paper, have confirmed the validity of the analysis. An example of the use of the engineering model is given in which the dredging requirement at a small dock system is examined; this reveals some interesting and important features, and it is likely that these features apply at other tidal basins.