Conceptual design and modeling of restored coastal wetlands

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual design methodology together with a simplified numerical modeling technique for evaluating, designing, and restoring coastal wetlands. The conceptual design methodology uses specific geomorphic relationships observed in neighboring mature marsh basins to develop a synthetic tidal channel network for the restoration site that reasonably predicts its characteristics once fully functional. The numerical modeling methodology consists of three uncoupled models applied iteratively that describe the hydrodynamics, supply channel erosion, and marsh plain accretion of the developing basin over time. The results from the conceptual design and modeling methodologies can be directly applied to the prediction and quantification of subtidal and intertidal habitat area that is likely to emerge in the restored site as it evolves and ultimately reaches a state of dynamic equilibrium.