Tidal inlet channel stability in long term process based modelling

The general morphodynamics and hydrodynamics of tidal inlets are relatively well understood, but the detailed interactions remain a prominent research interest. Recent studies have used process-based computer models as a tool to investigate the long term mechanisms, interactions and morphologic development. One of the major problems identified in these models is an unrealistic development of tidal channels. The exact reasons for this inconsistency are not yet know. The aim of this report is to improve the model performance by using more natural “morphological” boundary conditions instead of currently used schematizations. An idealized representation of the Ameland inlet was used to evaluate different modelling strategies.