On the effect of tidal flats on the hydrodynamics of the Tagus estuary

André B. Fortunato, Anabela Oliveira, António M. Baptista

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    75 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The effects of tidal flats on the hydrodynamics of the Tagus estuary are analysed using an accurate high-resolution shallow water model, supported by field data. Tidal flats act mainly as energy filters, rather than sinks, transferring energy from astronomic to non-linear frequencies. They also play a major role in determining the strong resonance mode that amplifies semi-diurnal constituents. We show that the upper estuary, with extensive tidal flats, has an increasing accretion rate. This 'filling-up' results from a positive feedback between sediment deposition and the hydrodynamics: accretion in the upper estuary lengthens the duration of ebbs, decreasing sediment flushing and further increasing accretion.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)31-44
    Number of pages14
    JournalOceanologica Acta
    Volume22
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1999

    Keywords

    • Numerical model
    • Tagus estuary
    • Tidal flats
    • Tidal propagation

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Oceanography
    • Aquatic Science

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