Numerical Modelling of Sediments in Cork Harbour

The management of coastal zones, rivers and estuaries requires accurate and detailed knowledge of cohesive sediment transport processes to assess different environmental problems including: wetland protection and restoration, maintenance of navigation channels, dredging and dredged material relocation, effects of construction works on siltation and turbidity levels, and dispersion of pollutants. The environmental impact of the effects of erosion and deposition of sediments on an estuary system, Cork Harbour, is presented in this work. The primary focus is placed on the numerical modelling of the transport and behaviour of cohesive sediments. A 2-D hydrodynamic and sediment numerical modelling software package called DIVAST (Depth Integrated Velocities And Solute Transport) is used. A graphical 'Front-End' and 'Back End' user-friendly interface for DIVAST has been developed. Simulations run for different conditions yields information on sediment dynamics within the Cork Harbour system and increases our understanding of sediment dynamics within estuary systems.