Regional-Scale Study on Sediment Processes of Khuran Strait at Persian Gulf with Implications for Engineering Design

Abstract

In this article, the sediment transport processes in the Khuran Strait between the mainland Iran and Qeshm Island at North Central Persian Gulf are studied in regional scale in a comprehensive manner. The objectives of this study include defining the type and origin of the sediment, the influencing factors, and the dominant mode of sediment transport. Four possible scenarios of sediment processes in terms of sediment sources and influential environmental forces are examined. The results of the conceptual and 2D numerical model of MIKE21 applied for this purposes indicate that the sediment sources in the transport processes are mainly provided by the sediments suspended from the central and eastern zones of the strait bed. Other sources including input from rivers do not have direct influence on the processes. The results are applied to the study of morphological changes for engineering applications including the pattern and amount of deposit in the Rajaee port approach channel and harbor basin. The pattern and amount of annual sediment deposits in the approach channel predicted by the model is satisfactory, compatible with annual dredging records.