Comparison of longitudinal equilibrium profiles of estuaries in idealized and process-based models

The process-based morphodynamic model Delft3D-MOR and the idealized model of schuttelaars and De Swart (2000) are compared with each other. The differences between the two models in their mathematical-physical formulation as well as the boundary conditions are identified. Their effect on producing cross-sectionally averaged morphological equilibria of tidal inlets with arbitrary length and forced at the seaward boundary by a prescribed M-2 and M-4 seasurface elevation is studied and an inventory is made of all relevant differences. The physical formulations in the source code of Delft3D-MOR are modified in various steps to resemble the formulations in the idealized model. The effect of each of the differences between the idealized and process-based model are studied by comparing the results of the idealized model to those of the adapted process-based model. The results of the idealized model can be qualitatively reproduced by the process-based model as long as the same morphological boundary condition is applied at the open sea end. This means that the simplifications concerning the mathematical formulation of the physical processes in the idealized model can be justified. Furthermore, it can be inferred that the morphological boundary condition at the open sea end is an essential element in controlling the behaviour of morphodynamic models for tidal inlets and estuaries.