Since the 2005 treaty the Netherlands and Flanders execute joint policy and management on the Scheldt estuary. The basis for this joint policy and management is joint monitoring and research. Within this framework it was found of upmost importance to have a fine sediment model of the estuary. Fine sediment dynamics are controlling both the amount of material that needs to be dredged and light penetration in the water column. The latter has been shown to be the most controlling factor of the primary production. The LTV mud model has been developed in 2006. Following advances in knowledge on fine sediment dynamics in the region and improved modelling capabilities updates were made. This report presents the baseline model (2010 version) both with the hydrodynamics forcing of 2006 and 2014. An important improvement is the inclusion of two mud fractions (microflocs and macroflocs). Also spatially varying parameter settings are no longer used and extra validation is done. The reproduction of suspended sediment concentrations both up-estuary and near the estuary mouth (Zeebrugge) has improved substantially. The intra-tidal variability is also improved in the model, but is still less than observed. Siltation rates in the harbours and docks are in the right order of magnitude. Sedimentation rates on the intertidal flats are less than observed in the Western Scheldt and higher than observed in the Sea Scheldt. It can be concluded that the LTV mud model is again state-of-the-art and can be applied to explain observations in the mud dynamics of the estuary. It can also be applied in effectstudies and/or outlooks for developing policies for the Scheldt estuary.
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