Tidal hydrodynamics and erosional power in the Fly River delta, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

A two‐dimensional numerical model is used to study tidal hydrodynamics and distribution of bed shear stresses in the Fly River delta, Papua New Guinea. The model describes the propagation of the tidal wave within the delta and along the river. Model results indicate that tidal discharge at the mouths of the distributary channels is between 10 and 30 times larger than the river discharge, and that the upstream part of the delta is flood‐dominated, whereas near the mouth, the delta is ebb‐dominated. Numerical simulations allow us to investigate the sensitivity of fluxes and bottom stresses with respect to the variations of sea level and the area of delta islands. The results suggest that a decrease in the total area of the delta occupied by islands increases the tidal prism and, therefore, the bed shear stresses. Similarly, an increase in sea level reduces the dissipation of the tidal signal and speeds up the propagation of the tidal wave within the delta, thus yielding higher discharges and increased bed shear stresses.