The unstructured SCALDIS model: a new high resolution model for hydrodynamics and sediment transport in the tidal Scheldt
Joris Vanlede, Sven Smolders, Tatiana Maximova, Maria João Teles
Monday 29 june 2015
16:48 - 17:00h
at South America (level 0)
Themes: (T) Special session, (ST) Scheldt Estuary physics and integrated management
Parallel session: 3J. Special session: Scheldt Estuary physics and integrated management
In the framework of the projects "Integral Plan for the Upper Sea Scheldt" and "Agenda for the Future", the SCALDIS model, a new unstructured high resolution model of the tidal Scheldt is developed in TELEMAC 3D (Telemac-Mascaret software platform). Starting from the stated model purpose, a weighted dimensionless cost function is set up that attributes equal weight to the vertical and the horizontal tide. By adapting the bottom roughness, the cost function is minimized during model calibration. Quantification of the model skill and cost function calculation is done using the VIMM toolbox which is developed and maintained at Flanders Hydraulics Research. The quantified model skill of the SCALDIS model shows that the model is well suited to assess the effects of changing the bathymetry and geometry of the Scheldt river on water levels, velocities, tracer dispersion and residence times, and that the hydrodynamics can be used as the basis for sediment transport calculations (both cohesive and non-cohesive).
