NUMERICAL-SIMULATION OF THE TURBIDITY MAXIMUM TRANSPORT IN THE GIRONDE ESTUARY (FRANCE)

A coupled two-dimensional vertical width-integrated hydrodynamic and s ediment transport numerical model is presented to simulate the ''turbi dity maximum'' formation and dynamics in the Gironde estuary. A turbul ence closure sub-model is used to parametrize the turbulent mixing pro cess. The numerical results of a five-day simulation are compared with field measurements carried out at several locations. The formation an d the displacement of the turbidity maximum during one tidal cycle are correctly simulated. The intensity of the ''turbidity maximum'' is st rongly related to the turbulent energy field. The influence of the tid al amplitude on the suspended matter transport is also studied during the simulation.