Modelling of Tidal Flow and Transport Processes: A Case Study in the Tejo Estuary

Abstract

A two-dimensional horizontal hydrodynamic model, a Lagrangian transport model and an Eulerian transport model, based on the finite-difference method, are presented. Application of these models to the simulation of tidal flow and transport processes in the Tejo estuary (Portugal) is described. The results of tidal flow simulation show encouraging agreement with the available field data. The results of transport processes simulation indicate vartability due to the complex morphology of the Tejo estuary. The tidal prism passing through the inlet channel provides a generally efficient mixing of estuarine waters, but the dispersion of pollutants in the inner channels near industrial sites seems much less efficient. This should have significant implications for environmental management.