Abstract
Within the framework of different EU framework research projects (THESEUS and TIDE), investigations of the efficiency of artificial sandbanks in the mouth of the Elbe estuary for the mitigation of tidal energy and a better storm surge protection were carried out. The efficiency of the artificial sandbanks was analysed by means of two- and three-dimensional hydro- and morphodynamic models. The models calculate the water level and current velocities as well as the transport of dissolved constituents under mean and storm surge conditions. To allow the investigation of the effects of the artificial sandbanks on the water level and currents in the inner estuary, a high spatial grid resolution was used. Overall results of the investigations are presented and an outlook on how those measures can contribute to innovative risk mitigation is shown.
Highlights
Estuaries and coastal areas are among the most densely populated areas of the world
The results of the investigations suggest that artificial sandbanks in the mouth of the Elbe estuary may dampen the tidal energy to some extent
More important for the effects on the hydraulics is how the different scenarios dampen the incoming tidal wave
Summary
Estuaries and coastal areas are among the most densely populated areas of the world They play an important role in terms of industry, agriculture, trade, tourism and settlement to mention some key sectors. Today these areas already suffer from various problems like erosion, flood risk and long-term habitat deterioration. The whole Elbe River has undergone several anthropogenic changes since the 16th century like diking and river regulations. These modifications led in combination with natural changes in hydrodynamics to an unfavourable hydro-morphological evolution, namely to an increase of the tidal energy and the tidal pumping further upstream
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