A numerical simulation study of the hydrodynamic effects caused by morphological changes in the Guadalquivir River Estuary
Sara Sirviente, J. Sánchez-Rodríguez, Juan Jesús Gómiz-Pascual, Marina Bolado-Penagos, A. Sierra, T. Ortega, Óscar Álvarez, Jesús M. Forja, Miguel Bruno
Abstract
This study presents an analysis of the impacts of the changes in bottom depth along the Guadalquivir Estuary on tidal dynamics. A realistic non-linear 1D numerical model, incorporating changes in both breadth and bottom depth, was employed to investigate the involved effects. The findings reveal a significant amplification of the M2 tidal wave towards the upper region of the Estuary, resulting from the gradual deepening caused by multiple dredging operations. The Estuary exhibits a pronounced tendency towards resonance, which is further enhanced by its deepening, resulting in reduced bottom friction and a smaller decrease in tidal wave amplitude as it propagates through the Estuary. The alterations in depth, particularly in breadth, along the Estuary play a crucial role in determining the magnitude of the resonant response of the M2 tidal wave.