Ems Estuary Research Articles

Uncertainty in complex three-dimensional sediment transport models: equifinality in a model application of the Ems Estuary, the Netherlands

Estuarine suspended sediment transport models are typically calibrated against suspended sediment concentration data. These data typically cover a limited range of the actual suspended sediment concentration dynamics, constrained in either time or space. As a result of these data limitations, the available data can be reproduced with complex 3D transport models through multiple sets of model calibration parameters. These various model parameter sets influence the relative importance of transport processes such as settling, deposition, erosion, or mixing. As a result, multiple model parameter sets may reproduce sediment dynamics in tidal channels (where most data is typically collected) with the same degree of accuracy but simulate notably different sediment concentration patterns elsewhere (e.g. on the tidal flats). Different combinations of model input parameters leading to the same result are known as equifinality. The effect of equifinality on predictive model capabilities is investigated with a complex three-dimensional sediment transport model of a turbid estuary which is subject to several human interventions. The effect of two human interventions (offshore disposal of dredged sediment and restoration of the tidal channel profile) was numerically examined with several equifinal model settings. The computed effect of these two human interventions was relatively weakly influenced by the model settings, strengthening confidence in the numerical model predictions.

Ocean forecasting for the German Bight: from regional to coastal scales

Abstract. This paper describes recent developments based on advances in coastal ocean forecasting in the fields of numerical modeling, data assimilation, and observational array design, exemplified by the Coastal Observing System for the North and Arctic Seas (COSYNA). The region of interest is the North and Baltic seas, and most of the coastal examples are for the German Bight. Several pre-operational applications are presented to demonstrate the outcome of using the best available science in coastal ocean predictions. The applications address the nonlinear behavior of the coastal ocean, which for the studied region is manifested by the tidal distortion and generation of shallow-water tides. Led by the motivation to maximize the benefits of the observations, this study focuses on the integration of observations and modeling using advanced statistical methods. Coastal and regional ocean forecasting systems do not operate in isolation but are linked, either weakly by using forcing data or interactively using two-way nesting or unstructured-grid models. Therefore, the problems of downscaling and upscaling are addressed, along with a discussion of the potential influence of the information from coastal observatories or coastal forecasting systems on the regional models. One example of coupling coarse-resolution regional models with a fine-resolution model interface in the area of straits connecting the North and Baltic seas using a two-way nesting method is presented. Illustrations from the assimilation of remote sensing, in situ and high-frequency (HF) radar data, the prediction of wind waves and storm surges, and possible applications to search and rescue operations are also presented. Concepts for seamless approaches to link coastal and regional forecasting systems are exemplified by the application of an unstructured-grid model for the Ems Estuary.

The effect of land reclamations and sediment extraction on the suspended sediment concentration in the Ems Estuary

Natural sediment sinks have been removed in many estuaries and tidal basins, and the resulting loss in accommodation space likely led to an increase in the suspended sediment concentration (SSC). The effect of land reclamations and changes in other sediment sinks on SSC has been investigated using the Ems Estuary as a well-documented example. Coastline reconstructions and stratigraphic observations in the Ems Estuary, on the Dutch–German border, have been used to quantify the long-term (centennial) changes in sediment sinks. These data indicate that approximately 2–3·106dry weight tons of fine-grained sediments annually accumulated in the estuary from the end of the 16th century up to the beginning of the 20th century. In the 20th century and especially from 1960 to 1994, large amounts of sediment were dredged and removed from the Ems Estuary. Since the 1990s, sediment removal rates through dredging activities sharply decreased, while available monitoring data show that on average SSC in the estuary increased during this period. The potential impact of sediment sinks on SSC has been investigated using a simple mass balance and a complex numerical model. Both methodologies indicate that the reduction in sediment sinks lead to an increase in suspended sediment concentration of several 10s of mg/l averaged over the estuary. The numerical model also resolves the spatial variation in changing suspended sediment concentrations, suggesting that locally the increase may exceed 100mg/l. This work reveals that a decrease in accommodation space for fine-grained sediments by land reclamations or by reducing fine-grained sediment extraction will lead to an increase in suspended sediment concentrations, and provides methodologies to estimate the impact of interventions on SSC of estuaries and tidal basins.

On the impact of salinity observations on state estimates in Ems Estuary

The hydrodynamics of Ems Estuary are dominated by tides and their interaction with buoyancy forcing. Such an environment is challenging for any effort to bring together observations and model results. In this study, we investigate how salinity measurements in the Ems Estuary affect the reconstruction of the salinity field. Similar to the traditional observing system experiments, the impact of specific observational arrays is simulated in the framework of statistical experiments. The experimental algorithm mainly relies on the model covariance matrix. Each experiment results in an estimate of the reconstruction error. The analysed observation configurations involve single and multiple, as well as stationary and non-stationary observing arrays. Generally, the reconstruction of the ocean state improves with increasing the density of observations. It appears that certain locations are more favourable for reconstruction than others. In fact, the regions separating the main dynamical realms resist strongest to the reconstruction effort. Extending the covariance matrix by the temporal cross-covariances between the model grid points enables to evaluate the impact of observations taken from a moving platform. This approach further improves the outcome of the experiments, resulting in reconstruction errors near zero with the exception of the tidal river. The cross-covariance information is able to tackle even the irregular dynamics arising on the border between the different physical regimes.

Three-dimensional semi-idealized model for tidal motion in tidal estuaries

In this paper, a three-dimensional semi-idealized model for tidal motion in a tidal estuary of arbitrary shape and bathymetry is presented. This model aims at bridging the gap between idealized and complex models. The vertical profiles of the velocities are obtained analytically in terms of the first-order and the second-order partial derivatives of surface elevation, which itself follows from an elliptic partial differential equation. The surface elevation is computed numerically using the finite element method and its partial derivatives are obtained using various methods. The newly developed semi-idealized model allows for a systematic investigation of the influence of geometry and bathymetry on the tidal motion which was not possible in previously developed idealized models. The new model also retains the flexibility and computational efficiency of previous idealized models, essential for sensitivity analysis. As a first step, the accuracy of the semi-idealized model is investigated. To this end, an extensive comparison is made between the model results of the semi-idealized model and two other idealized models: a width-averaged model and a three-dimensional idealized model. Finally, the semi-idealized model is used to understand the influence of local geometrical effects on the tidal motion in the Ems estuary. The model shows that local convergence and meandering effects can have a significant influence on the tidal motion. Finally, the model is applied to the Ems estuary. The model results agree well with observations and results from a complex numerical model.

Towards practitioner-initiated interactive knowledge development for sustainable development: A cross-case analysis of three coastal projects

Although the central challenges of sustainable development are well-known, sustainability science has been slow in contributing to effective and feasible solutions for sustainable development. Turning knowledge into action for sustainable development therefore remains a major challenge for sustainability science. Interactive knowledge development is considered a prerequisite for sustainability-oriented action. Most studies approach interactive knowledge development from a researcher's perspective. This paper focuses on practitioners that initiate interactive knowledge development for sustainability-oriented actions. A cross-case analysis is presented for interactive knowledge development in coastal projects. Three cases are analysed through the framework of project arrangements and knowledge arrangements. The projects are located in the Wadden Sea, San Francisco Bay and the Ems estuary and address issues of flood control, nature restoration and liveability. The cross-case analysis revealed 11 causal mechanisms that help explain how project decision-making impacts on interactive knowledge development, how a process of interactive knowledge development functions and what its outcomes are. The mechanisms clarify the key underlying processes of interactive knowledge development in coastal projects. The mechanisms show that interactive knowledge development may result in sustainability-oriented solutions that are feasible for implementation. As such, this paper contributes to a practice-oriented understanding of turning knowledge into action for sustainable coastal development.

Sensitivity of tidal motion in well-mixed estuaries to cross-sectional shape, deepening, and sea level rise

For well-mixed estuaries, key physical mechanisms are identified and quantified that cause changes in characteristics of the semi-diurnal sea surface elevation and lateral velocity due to modifications of the lateral bottom profile, channel deepening, and sea level rise. This is done by decomposing solutions of a new analytical model into components relating to different physical processes. The default geometry and parameter values are representative for the Ems estuary, with a converging width and a reflective landward boundary. The default Gaussian lateral bottom profile is modified to obtain profiles with the same cross-sectional area, but with a different skewness or steepness. Results show that a steeper lateral bottom profile leads to amplification of the sea surface elevation. The width convergence is shown to influence the resonance characteristics. Channel deepening and sea level rise result in amplification of the sea surface elevation until a resonance peak is reached. When flooding is incorporated, the amount of sea level rise at which maximum tidal amplification occurs is found to be about two times lower. When using a symmetric Gaussian bottom profile, the lateral tidal flow is determined by Coriolis deflection of longitudinal flow and lateral density gradients caused by differential salt advection. However, an additional lateral tidal flow component incorporating the effect of continuity related to sea level variations and longitudinal gradients in longitudinal flow is shown to become increasingly important for skewed lateral bottom profiles. Furthermore, the lateral flow due to the lateral density gradient is enhanced for bottom profiles with increased steepness.

Socially robust knowledge in coastal projects

Interactive modes of knowledge production offer a strategy for seeking solutions to complex environmental problems. The outcome of such knowledge production is socially robust knowledge. Social robustness refers to knowledge that is relevant and accepted by actors in the context of its application. This is achieved when knowledge is credible, salient and produced in a legitimate way. To date, only limited research has focused on how social robustness is achieved. As coastal problems are characterised by conflicting interests and major uncertainties, the coastal zone represents a relevant domain for studying socially robust knowledge. This paper analyses and presents three conditions that need to be in place if one is to achieve socially robust knowledge in coastal projects. The conditions are based on theories related to socially robust knowledge, boundary spanning, project arrangements and knowledge arrangements. The conditions specify how social robustness can be achieved through knowledge testing by boundary spanners, the involvement of diverse actors and a close connection between knowledge production and the evolving project. In a case study, these conditions are compared to developments in a Dutch coastal project involving spatial developments near the Ems estuary. The comparison highlights the relevance of the three conditions in achieving socially robust knowledge. In addition, a fourth aspect is empirically uncovered: the role of boundary spanning among project partners prior to producing knowledge. These four conditions clarify how social robustness may be achieved in coastal solutions. As such, this paper contributes to the theoretical and empirical understanding of socially robust knowledge.

The impact of channel deepening and dredging on estuarine sediment concentration

Many estuaries worldwide are becoming more urbanised with heavier traffic in the waterways, requiring continuous channel deepening and larger ports, and increasing suspended sediment concentration (SSC). An example of a heavily impacted estuary where SSC levels are rising is the Ems Estuary, located between the Netherlands and Germany. In order to provide larger and larger ships access to three ports and a shipyard, the tidal channels in the Ems Estuary have been substantially deepened by dredging over the past decades. This has led to tidal amplification and hyper concentrated sediment conditions in the upstream tidal river. In the middle and outer reaches of the Ems Estuary, the tidal amplification is limited, and mechanisms responsible for increasing SSC are poorly understood. Most likely, channel and port deepening lead to larger SSC levels because of resulting enhanced siltation rates and therefore an increase in maintenance dredging. Additionally, channel deepening may increase up-estuary suspended sediment transport due to enhanced salinity-induced estuarine circulation.The effect of channel deepening and port construction on SSC levels is investigated using a numerical model of suspended sediment transport forced by tides, waves and salinity. The model satisfactorily reproduces observed water levels, velocity, sediment concentration and port deposition in the estuary, and therefore is subsequently applied to test the impact of channel deepening, historical dredging strategy and port construction on SSCs in the Estuary. These model scenarios suggest that: (1) channel deepening appears to be a main factor for enhancing the transport of sediments up-estuary, due to increased salinity-driven estuarine circulation; (2) sediment extraction strategies from the ports have a large impact on estuarine SSC; and (3) maintenance dredging and disposal influences the spatial distribution of SSC but has a limited effect on average SSC levels.

The tidal asymmetries and residual flows in Ems Estuary

A 3D unstructured-grid numerical model of the Ems Estuary is presented. The simulated hydrodynamics are compared against tidal gauge data and observations from research cruises. A comparison with an idealized test reveals the capability of the model to reproduce the secondary circulation patterns known from theoretical results. The simulations prove to be accurate and realistic, confirming and extending findings from earlier observations and modeling studies. The basic characteristics of dominant physical processes in the estuary such as tidal amplification, tidal damping, overtide generation, baroclinicity and internal mixing asymmetry are quantified. The model demonstrates an overall dominance of the flood currents in most of the studied area. However, the hypsometric control in the vicinity of Dollart Bay reverses this asymmetry, with the ebb currents stronger than the flood ones. Small-scale bathymetric characteristics and baroclinicity result in a very complex interplay between dominant physical mechanisms in different parts of the tidal channels and over the tidal flats. Residual flow reveals a clear overturning circulation in some parts of the estuary which is related to a mixing asymmetry between flood and ebb currents. We demonstrate that while areas close to the tidal river exhibit overall similarity with density controlled estuarine conditions, in large areas of the outer estuary barotropic forcing and complex bathymetry together with the density distribution affect substantially the horizontal circulation.

Strengthening coastal zone management in the Wadden Sea by applying ‘knowledge-practice interfaces’

Knowledge management (e.g., production, mobilization, integration) is key to achieve socio-ecological sustainability and to handle the many challenges that distress coastal zones – e.g. finding a balance between ecological conservation and economic development. Building on the concept of science-policy interface, we propose a new term here which is more (semantically) inclusive, the knowledge-practice interface. This article aims to articulate the most relevant elements of a general framework of the knowledge-practice interface for enhancing the management of knowledge in coastal zone management. To do this, three case studies in the Wadden Sea area are analysed focussing on knowledge and practice. First, the habitat restoration of the houting species in Denmark; second, the monitoring and management aspects related to the concentrations of suspended matter in the Ems estuary (Germany and the Netherlands); and finally, the development of environmental management systems for ports in the Dutch Wadden Sea. The analysis of these three cases is conducted and the framework is built around four central questions: why, what, who, and how. The article concludes that scientific knowledge on its own is insufficient to achieve sustainability in coastal zones; participatory knowledge and practices are increasingly required to facilitate the integration of different types of knowledge (e.g. formal and informal), and the inclusion of different stakeholders to enhance integrated coastal zone management.

The influence of channel deepening on estuarine turbidity levels and dynamics, as exemplified by the Ems estuary

Active deepening of tidal channels usually results in the alteration of the vertical and the horizontal tide. This may lead to concurrent significant increases in mean suspended matter concentrations (SPM) in coastal plain estuaries, the turbidity maximum (ETM) included. This is exemplified by an extensive analysis of the Ems estuary, a prototypical heavily stressed estuary in the Dutch-German border area. Measurements show that the SPM concentrations in the lower reaches of the estuary have increased an average of 2- to 3-fold between 1954 and 2005, with a 10-fold increase observed in the upper estuary (tidal river). Longitudinal profiles of surface SPM demonstrate that the ETM has moved upstream by up to 25 km and has broadened into a zone 30 km in length which extends into the freshwater tidal river. On an annual scale, variations in freshwater discharge significantly influence the formation and breakdown of the ETM: during low river discharge the ETM approaches equilibrium over 2–3 months, whilst elevated river discharges relocate the ETM downstream over several weeks.An exploratory, semi-analytical model is calibrated to simulate the equilibrium SPM distribution in the upper estuary during five time periods from 1965 to 2005, using archival bathymetric and tidal data. Results suggest that the deepening of tidal channels and a reduction in hydraulic drag have most likely resulted in a landward shift of the SPM trapping location. The measured increase in SPM concentrations and the development of fluid mud around the 1990s likely contributed to reduced mixing and bottom drag, creating a feedback loop that further altered tidal and SPM dynamics. It is argued that the removal of some non-erodible (consolidated) layers in the lower reaches of the estuary has created new internal sediment sources that may be responsible for feeding the observed high SPM concentrations, rather than increased sediment input from the boundaries. All findings are based on and supported by measured short-term seasonal fluctuations, as well as long-term developments of yearly averaged concentrations in the longitudinal SPM distribution.

Sedimentological and Rheological Properties of the Water–Solid Bed Interface in the Weser and Ems Estuaries, North Sea, Germany: Implications for Fluid Mud Classification

ABSTRACT Papenmeier, S.; Schrottke, K.; Bartholoma, A. and Flemming, B.W., 2013. Sedimentological and rheological properties of the water–solid bed interface in the Weser and Ems estuaries, North Sea, Germany: Implications for fluid mud classification. Fine, cohesive sediment suspensions are a common feature of estuarine environments. Generally, multilayer models are used to describe the vertical distribution of such sediments. Such conceptional models normally distinguish at least high suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) as a topmost layer and a consolidated bed layer, often including an intermediate, fluid mud layer. Rheological, and in particular sedimentological properties are rarely included in these models. New data from two different estuaries provide new insights that can contribute toward the classification of near-bed cohesive sediments. The water–solid bed interfaces within the turbidity maximum zones of the Weser and Ems estuaries were sampled with 2–4-m-long cores. At 10-cm intervals, va...

Comparing the performance of species distribution models of Zostera marina: Implications for conservation

Intertidal seagrasses show high variability in their extent and location, with local extinctions and (re-)colonizations being inherent in their population dynamics. Suitable habitats are identified usually using Species Distribution Models (SDM), based upon the overall distribution of the species; thus, accounting solely for spatial variability. To include temporal effects caused by large interannual variability, we constructed SDMs for different combinations and fusions of yearly distribution data. The main objectives were to: (i) assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of an intertidal seagrass bed of Zostera marina; (ii) select the most accurate SDM techniques to model different temporal distribution data subsets of the species; (iii) assess the relative importance of the environmental variables for each data subset; and (iv) evaluate the accuracy of the models to predict species conservation areas, addressing implications for management. To address these objectives, a time series of 14-year distribution data of Zostera marina in the Ems estuary (The Netherlands) was used to build different data subsets: (1) total presence area; (2) a conservative estimate of the total presence area, defined as the area which had been occupied during at least 4years; (3) core area, defined as the area which had been occupied during at least 2/3 of the total period; and (4–6) three random selections of monitoring years. On average, colonized and disappeared areas of the species in the Ems estuary showed remarkably similar transition probabilities of 12.7% and 12.9%, respectively. SDMs based upon machine-learning methods (Boosted Regression Trees and Random Forest) outperformed regression-based methods. Current velocity and wave exposure were the most important variables predicting the species presence for widely distributed data. Depth and sea floor slope were relevant to predict conservative presence area and core area. It is concluded that, the fusion of the spatial distribution data from four monitoring years could be enough to establish an accurate habitat suitability model of Zostera marina in the Ems estuary. The methodology presented offers a promising tool for selecting realistic conservation areas for those species that show high population dynamics, such as many estuarine and coastal species.

Generation and evolution of high-frequency internal waves in the Ems estuary, Germany

The breaking of internal waves (IWs) is one of the most important factors for the vertical mixing of suspended sediments and nutrients in estuaries. Information on the generation and evolution of IWs in such environments is therefore required to better understand their physics and related processes of sediment transport. New data on highly resolved IWs recorded in the turbidity maximum zone of the Ems estuary (Germany) have provided new insights into the dynamics of estuarine IWs.To investigate the generation and evolution of IWs as well as their contribution to vertical mixing, a variety of hydro-acoustic devices was deployed in combination with a vertical sampling of suspended particular matter. Wave parameters such as significant wave height, wave frequency, wave length and steepness were computed from these data.The hydro-acoustic data reveal the formation of a prominent lutocline during slack water, at which IWs begin to be generated with the onset of tidal forcing. The two water bodies, which are characterised by markedly different suspended sediment concentrations, show clear differences in flow behaviour. As a consequence of current shear along the lutocline, Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities are generated, which then produce IWs.The IWs break when high shear stresses between the two layers are coupled with great wave steepness, and the breaking causes vertical mixing of the sediment. Most IW breaking events occur during the decelerating ebb phase and thereby promote downstream sediment transport.

Long-term mean annual microphytobenthos chlorophyll a variation correlates with air temperature

Long-term interannual variations in the mean microphytobenthos chlorophyll a (chl a) of the Ems estuary were investigated. Concentrations in the 1990s were on average 1.5 times higher than during the period from 1976 to 1978, but a trend in chl a over the entire period (1976 to 1999) was not found. In agreement with findings from the late 1970s, the mean chl a concentrations over the post 1990 period correlated significantly with the station elevation related exposure time. Over the entire 1976 to 1999 study period, the estuary mean annual chl a concen- trations correlated strongly and significantly with the mean annual air temperature. Although the range of the variation in the mean annual air temperature of the studied years was only 7.5 to 10.2°C, it surprisingly corresponded with a ca. 2.5-fold variation in the mean annual microphyto- benthos chl a. In addition to chl a, mean monthly C:chl a ratios from 1976 to 1977 also correlated positively with changes in temperature. Microphytobenthos carbon biomass (chl a × (C:chl a)) may, therefore, respond even stronger to air temperature than chl a does. The correlations are most likely a combination of direct temperature effects on microphytobenthos and stronger, prob- ably complex, indirect temperature effects on the seasonal development and standing stock of young and adult grazers (bivalves) and their carnivores like the brown shrimp Crangon crangon.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS TOOLS FOR REDEVELOPMENTS IN AN ESTUARY WITH HIGH SUSPENDED SEDIMENT CONCENTRATIONS

One of the largest estuaries in Germany, the Ems estuary, identified a dramatic turbidity increase up to more than 10 g/l over the last years. Due to this fact ecologists and water management authorities try to find restoration measures, which are able to reduce suspended sediment concentrations and to increase oxygen supply. The assessment of these potential restoration measures is described in the following paper and is based on a highly resolved numerical representation of the present situation of the Ems with extreme high turbidities by including effects of flocculation and hindered settling. Therefore two different approaches for the settling velocity due to flocculation were compared. An analysis of these restoration measures delivers important findings and shortcomings of each measure. Finally the restoration potentials are quantified by key indicators for hydrodynamics and suspended sediment transport behavior and were evaluated due to their relevance in reduction of high turbidities.

Improving the predictive power when modelling physical effects of human interventions in estuarine systems

To make substantiated decisions on human interventions in estuarine systems, it is nowadays common practice to assess the effects of proposed changes using state-of-the-art numerical models. Unfortunately, these models cannot be calibrated to represent the new dynamics in an optimal way, as there is no data available yet for the system after intervention. To overcome this problem, it is advisable to acquire model results for a wider range of parameters than those obtained from calibration. However, it is generally too costly and time-consuming to make the required sensitivity analyses with a state-of-the-art model. To overcome this complication, we propose to combine the results of idealised models, state-of-the-art numerical models and observations in an integrated way. Idealised models are semi-analytical, developed to assess the importance of various mechanisms and investigate the sensitivity to model parameters, parameterisations and geometry. Based on the proposed combination, a well-founded choice can be made for a few selected scenarios to be investigated using state-of-the-art numerical models. Thus, the combined use of these different types of models leads to a clear synergy.As an example, we investigate the influence of the location of the weir in the Ems Estuary on the water motion and sediment dynamics. The idealised model results show that an increase of estuarine length will deform the tidal characteristics (the M2 semi-diurnal tidal constituent and its first overtide) so that the lowest low water increases, the tidal range is decreased, and the sediment trapping in the freshwater region will decrease. These results are qualitatively reproduced by a state-of-the-art model, resulting in a new possibility to renaturalize the Ems Estuary.

SPACES, ACTORS AND NEW RIVERINE ETHICS ON THE EMS

ABSTRACTThe Ems estuary extends from just upstream of the German port of Emden to the North Sea. It is a network of tidal channels through the sand banks of the Wadden Sea and includes a contested border between Germany and the Netherlands.The estuary is the seaway for Emden and the Dutch port of Delfzijl. It was and is the object of intensive nautical management which, despite the border tensions, generally ensured progress and mutual economic benefit. A 1960 treaty on nautical cooperation formalized this bilateral commitment to economic growth.This paper focuses on the shift from economic development to ecological cooperation in the Ems estuary starting in the 1970s. While in the 1960s, for example, the Dutch had no qualms about disposing vast quantities of untreated industrial effluents into the Dollart, by 1979 they were arguing that plans to expand the port of Emden would disrupt the Dollart's fragile economy. As part of the growing ‘ecological web’ of international and European treaties, and thanks to the hard work of local and national environmentalist groups, the Ems estuary became the object of its own bilateral ecological agreement in 1996. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Macroflocs, fine-grained sediment transports, and their longitudinal variations in the Ems Estuary

Field measurements have been carried out to obtain more quantitative knowledge on the longitudinal distribution of the fine-grained sediment dynamics in the Ems Estuary. Both the short-term (time scale < tidal period) and the long-term (tidally averaged) fine-grained sediment transports have been investigated. It is shown that the short-term erosion/sedimentation cycles are most characteristic and are the building blocks for the ultimate long-term transports. Herein, the macroflocs play a key role. The macroflocs had sizes in the range of 200 to 700 μm, sometimes more than 1 mm, and survived high current velocities. The settling velocities were in the range of 0.5 to 8 mm/s. Turbulence intensities and suspended sediment concentration are of utmost importance for the settling properties of the sediment, but the “flocculation ability” of the suspended sediment is shown to be of equal importance. The suspended sediment concentration is only important at low levels of turbulence. At high levels of turbulence, the limiting properties of turbulence dominate. It is demonstrated that the surface properties of the suspended sediment particles are of prime importance for the flocculation ability of the water/sediment mixture, as do the sizes of the resuspended microflocs. Special attention is given to the longitudinal distribution of the sizes and settling properties of the macroflocs as well as of the sediment transports. The flocculation ability was shown to vary almost one order of magnitude along the estuary. These higher flocculation abilities in the direction of higher salinities are responsible for the increase of the sizes of the macroflocs in the seaward direction. Therefore, notwithstanding the low suspended sediment concentrations at the seaward boundary of the Ems Estuary, large macroflocs and corresponding high settling velocities were observed in this area. It explains that, in the Ems Estuary, no distinct effect was determined of the suspended sediment concentration on the settling properties of the suspended macroflocs.