Mississippi River Hydrodynamic and Delta Management Study: Delta Management Modeling. AdH/SEDLIB Multi-Dimensional Model Validation and Scenario Analysis Report
Abstract
This report details the process of developing and validating a multi-dimensional hydrodynamic, salinity, sediment transport, and coastal wetland morphology model of the Lower Mississippi River Delta. This model has been developed to run various sediment diversion scenarios. The results of these scenario analyses are documented in this report. The morphologic modeling results for the diversion scenario analyses show net land gain in the near vicinity of the diversion outlets and net land loss farther away from the outlets. The areas of land gain roughly correspond with the zones of sand deposition whereas the areas of largest land loss correspond with areas where there is diversion-induced inundation but not significant deposition of sediment from the diversion. The modeling results indicate that diversion-induced inundation results in a reduction in plant productivity, which induces an acceleration of land loss. Significant uncertainty exists with respect to the response of the existing wetland vegetation to diversion-induced inundation. The magnitude of this uncertainty can only be narrowed with further consensus building within wetland science. With respect to salinity, the receiving waters tend to freshen significantly during diversion operations. However, when operations cease, the recovery of salinity is almost entirely determined by prevailing offshore and/or riverine conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1081387
Entities
People
- Barbara A. Kleiss
- Cherie R. Price
- Gary L. Brown
- Jennifer N. Mcalpin
- Kimberly C. Pevey
- Phu V. Luong
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center