Mechanisms Controlling the Distribution of Net Water Transport in Estuarine Networks

Net water transport (NWT) in estuaries is important for, for example, salt intrusion and sediment dynamics. While NWT only determined by river runoff single channels, estuarine networks, it results from a complex interplay between tides residual flows. This study aims to disentangle the various contributions of these physical drivers networks investigate sensitivities variable forcing conditions, interventions, sea level rise (SLR). To this end, processes-based perturbative network model developed, which accounts vertical flow structure resolve density-driven driven vertically uniform along-channel salinity gradient. Other identified are discharge three tidal rectification processes: Stokes its return flow, momentum advection, velocity-depth asymmetry. The applied Yangtze Estuary. due rectifications can be comparable discharge. Specifically North Branch, direction may differ Varying mainly affects as tide-river interaction weak shown insensitive intrusion. Conversely, variations amplitude strongly affect related flow. deepening (narrowing) one channel (Deep Waterway Project), affected mostly through (advection). Furthermore, distribution SLR up 2 m because effects on different compensate each other.