Author(s)

J.M. de Kok and A. van der Meulen

Abstract

The supply of cohesive sediment of marine origine to the entrance area of the harbour of Rotterdam is simulated with three-dimensional models for hydrodynamics and transport of suspended fine sediment. The entrance channel to the harbours is the main outlet of fresh water from the Rhine. The three-dimensional salinity structure of the seawater appears to be a dominant factor in the transport and dispersion of suspended sediment in this area. Salinity stratification and estuarine residual circulation cause a large import of marine cohesive sediment into the harbour area leading to high siltation rates. The model reproduces observed transport phenomena. In the transport model a high

Keywords