Ups-and-downs of tidal systems: formation and development of ebb- and flood tidal channels and bars.

Abstract

Ever since Van Veen (1950) described the different tidal channels in the Western Scheld, people have known of their existence. Ebb and flood use different tidal channels in an estuary, and form certain patterns to lead these different tides through. The exact process that forms these ebb-flood tidal channel pairs remains a mystery however. Previously it was not possible for scientists to investigate this formation with something different than modelling, but with the introduction of the ‘tilting flume’ it has become possible to imitate tidal behaviour on an experimental scale. This study has been done to try to find the factors determining the formation of tidal channels and whether they form an equilibrium or not.