Discharge distribution and salt water intrusion in the Rhine-Meuse river delta network

Tidal river networks form complex environments in which both river and tidal processes play an important role in determining the hydrodynamics. Some research has been conducted on singlejunction tidal rivers, but for tidal networks the available research is very limited. This paper aims to take a first step in the understanding of the development of hydrodynamics and morphology of tidal river networks by analysing flow velocity data in the Rhine-Meuse tidal network in the western Netherlands. The Rhine-Meuse tidal river network is a heavily engineered system in which both hydrodynamics and morphology are in large part determined by anthropogenic influences. In May 2011, 13-hour measurements of flow and salinity have been conducted at twelve different tidal junctions. Analysis of the data shows that seaward junctions are subject to a distinct vertical layering of the flow, while upstream junctions display an increasingly horizontal flow differentiation. Although tidal flow generally decreases when moving upstream, local morphology is an important factor in determining tidal flow velocities in individual channels. The contribution of salt water to the total river flux depends highly on the stage of the tide, but decreases quickly upstream.