TIDAL WAVE REFLECTION FROM THE CLOSURE DAM IN THE GUADALQUIVIR ESTUARY (SW SPAIN)

Abstract

Closure dams in estuaries and tidal areas have a strong impact on their hydrodynamics and morphology. Among other reasons, this impact can be due to tidal reflection. In the Guadalquivir estuary (SW Spain), data measured allowed to identify a partially standing motion along the upper third of the estuary. We estimate the frequency-dependent complex reflection coefficients at the head dam, and analyze the effect of the combined action of the incident and reflected tidal waves on the residual currents. Erosion-deposition patterns induced by the tidal reflection were identified. The most energetic tidal constituent, the semidiurnal M2, favors sedimentation near the entrance of the Port of Seville, where the most intense dredging works take place. Finally, we briefly discuss the potential consequences of reflection on the turbidity spatial distribution.