Artificial sandbanks in the Elbe Estuary mouth: A method for surge mitigation?

Abstract

Within the framework of different EU framework research projects (THESEUS and TIDE), investigations of the efficiency of artificial sandbanks in the mouth of the Elbe estuary for the mitigation of tidal energy and a better storm surge protection were carried out. The efficiency of the artificial sandbanks was analysed by means of two- and three-dimensional hydro- and morphodynamic models. The models calculate the water level and current velocities as well as the transport of dissolved constituents under mean and storm surge conditions. To allow the investigation of the effects of the artificial sandbanks on the water level and currents in the inner estuary, a high spatial grid resolution was used. Overall results of the investigations are presented and an outlook on how those measures can contribute to innovative risk mitigation is shown.