Sediment Modeling

A suite of numerical models (FLOW-3D, Delft-3D, FVCOM, ADH/SEDLIB) will be used to accurately simulate the pertinent physical processes in the Mississippi River and adjacent basins. The output from these models contributes to the engineering, design, operation and management of proposed river diversions. These modeling results will enhance our understanding of the potential influence that diversions will have on river and wetland morphology.

The model team will:

  • Develop tools that can reflect existing and future conditions of:
     
    • Hydrodynamics and bed shear stress
    • Sediment transport and fate
    • Sediment sorting and armoring
    • Sediment diversion dynamics
    • Morphologic change in the river and receiving basins
    • Salinity effects (stratification, sediment flocculation)
  • Focus on sub-sections of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR), with a focus on event and annual time scale simulations, as well as specific stage/flow conditions, such as peak or low flow.
  • The modeling tools must be capable of representing both the existing conditions of the river (to establish the relative significance of various governing physical processes) as well as the local and system-wide changes due to proposed restoration strategies.
  • Use inter-model comparisons to enhance confidence in the conclusions drawn from the collective model results, and to minimize risks from decisions made based on these results.