Intertidal areas as accommodation space for suspended sediments case study: Scheldt Estuary
Gazor, M. (2025). Intertidal areas as accommodation space for suspended sediments case study: Scheldt Estuary . PhD Thesis. University of Antwerp, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology: Antwerpen. xiii, 213 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.63028/10067/2153440151162165141
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Documenttype: Doctoraat/Thesis/Eindwerk
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| Abstract |
Estuaries are highly dynamic environments where hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and biological processes interact to form crucial transitional zones between land and sea. These areas provide essential ecosystem services, including biodiversity support, water quality regulation, and flood mitigation. Within estuaries, intertidal zones play a significant role in sediment retention and stabilization by capturing suspended particulate matter (SPM). However, anthropogenic activities such as dredging, embankments, and land reclamation, coupled with global changes like sea-level rise, threaten their capacity to retain SPM. Understanding whether these zones act as net sediment sinks or are prone to resuspension is critical for effective estuarine management and restoration. In this study, high-frequency field observations from the Scheldt estuary (located in the west of Belgium and southwest of the Netherlands) were used to investigate sedimentation and erosion patterns across different salinity regimes. The results indicate that SPM concentration alone does not suffice to predict sediment stability. Floc characteristics, localized hydrodynamic conditions, and seasonal variations were also found to influence sediment behavior. These interdependent factors pose a challenge to conventional models that rely on simplified assumptions, highlighting the need for more sophisticated analytical approaches. A shift toward adaptive, data-driven methodologies—particularly those utilizing machine learning techniques—has been proposed to more effectively capture the nonlinear interactions that govern sediment transport. By integrating field-based measurements with advanced modeling, it was demonstrated that the resulting predictions are more adaptive and robust, addressing the limitations of traditional deterministic models. It is suggested that targeted observations, supported by such analytical tools, can provide a more effective framework for conserving and managing estuarine environments such as the Scheldt. |
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