Tidal asymmetry in the Dutch Wadden Sea : A model study of morphodynamic equilibrium of tidal basins

The present study considers the propagation of the tidal wave in the Dutch Wadden Sea and in particular the tidal asymmetry. The study contains a theoretical part focused on describing and modelling short basins, relative to the length of the tidal wave, followed by an application to the Amelander Zeegat and the Eijerlandse Gat of the Dutch Wadden Sea. A qualitative stability analysis of the theoretical relationship of Dronkers (1998), which reflects the morphological equilibrium should ascertain whether this relation is useful in predicting the morphological behaviour of tidal basins. To prove the relation for morphological equilibrium the tidal motion in a tidal basin has to be analyzed. The method to check the stability of the relation is to bring a tidal basin, which is presumably in a state of equilibrium, out of equilibrium. The stability analysis will focus on a perturbation of the geometry of tidal basins by means of human - and natural interferences. These interferences consist of reclamation, enclosure, deepening and sea level rise.