Input reduction and acceleration techniques in a morphodynamic modeling: A case study of Mumbai harbor

Abstract

Thane creek, which houses two major commercial ports; Mumbai & Jawaharlal Nehru Ports face periodic siltation problems. The maintenance dredging, carried out to keep navigational channel navigable, incurs a high annual cost. In this study, an attempt has been made to simulate the annual morphological changes that occur within Mumbai port limits, using a process-based hydrodynamic and morphological model, developed using Delft3D numerical scheme. The tidal levels and currents of the numerical model are validated with in-situ measurements, carried out at three different locations near the main navigational channel. Adopting the concepts of the morphological tide and acceleration techniques, a total quantity of siltation of more than 3.98 Million m3 is estimated to be deposited annually in the main navigation channel, if no dredging is carried out. The modeling results also revealed that a siltation rate up to 1 m/year is observed in the harbor basin and entrance channel to the docks. It is demonstrated that the developed numerical model can qualitatively capture the morphological trends near Mumbai Port region.