Dune migration and sand transport rates in tidal estuaries: The example of the river elbe

Large parts of the tidal estuary of river Elbe (Germany) are characterized by regular patterns of sand dunes. They are presumed to evolve due to complex sand transport mechanisms and show multi-faceted migration patterns. Direction and magnitude of their migration are influenced by hydrodynamic boundary conditions such as river runoff and tides. Dune Migration can lead to residual sand transport rates, depending on its direction and magnitude and the dune's characteristics. The understanding of dune migration patterns and associated sand transport is the basis of an effective sediment management as well as an important requirement for planning offshore structures. This study focuses on methods for computing migration and sand transport rates in automated ways. In a comparison and validation of different approaches, a cross-correlation technique was found to produce best results. From a unique data set of up to six annual bathymetrical multi-beam soundings between 1995 and 2010, dune characteristics and migration rates were processed and analysed autonomously. The findings show that over the long run, average dune migration and sand transport rates in the present study reach are directed upstream

Influence of Artificial Sandbanks in the Mouth of the Elbe Estuary on Estuarine and Coastal Hydrodynamics and Mitigation of Tidal Energy for a Better Flood Defence

River, Estuarine and Coastal Dynamic

Implications of Freshwater Discharge on Estuarine Sediment Dynamics

River, Estuarine and Coastal Dynamic

The Coastal Observing System for Northern and Arctic Seas (COSYNA)

The Coastal Observing System for Northern and Arctic Seas (COSYNA) was established in order to better understand the complex interdisciplinary processes of northern seas and the Arctic coasts in a changing environment. Particular focus is given to the German Bight in the North Sea as a prime example of a heavily used coastal area, and Svalbard as an example of an Arctic coast that is under strong pressure due to global change. The COSYNA automated observing and modelling system is designed to monitor real-time conditions and provide short-term forecasts, data, and data products to help assess the impact of anthropogenically induced change. Observations are carried out by combining satellite and radar remote sensing with various in situ platforms. Novel sensors, instruments, and algorithms are developed to further improve the understanding of the interdisciplinary interactions between physics, biogeochemistry, and the ecology of coastal seas. New modelling and data assimilation techniques are used to integrate observations and models in a quasi-operational system providing descriptions and forecasts of key hydrographic variables. Data and data products are publicly available free of charge and in real time. They are used by multiple interest groups in science, agencies, politics, industry, and the public

Port Sediments as Carbon Sink and Source

Geo-engineerin