Details

The project Research mud dynamics Ems-Dollard explores the reasons for the historic increase in turbidity, and which measures can be designed to improve the water quality in the area. This report describes the set up of the sediment transport models, using the hydrodynamic models developed earlier in the project. One of these models is part of an effect-chain model, for which the sediment transport model provides input to a water quality model. Dredging from ports and access channels is an integral part of the model set up and therefore the calibration. The model is calibrated against 2 permanent stations located in the outer estuary, long-term MWTL
observations carried out at 3 stations, and 6 stations monitored in 2012 and 2013 as part of this project. In a later stage of the project this model is used to explain the current state of turbidity in the Ems Estuary and quantify the effects of mitigating measures. A second model is developed specifically for the lower Ems River, calibrated against several permanent monitoring stations located in the lower Ems River, but also set up for a range of historic scenarios. This model is developed to quantify historic changes in the lower Ems River and its impact on the lower Ems Estuary.