A hybrid sediment transport modelling system for rivers and estuaries

A flexible sediment transport modelling system has been described and a very efficient way to use mathematical models in sediment transport studies has been presented. The development of socalled pilot models in the initial phase of a study, which are gradually changed during the course of the study into full models, offers a number of advantages. The use of hybrid models is a necessity in sediment transport modelling: the level of complexity of the modelling system can be adapted to each situation, more accurate models of subareas can be established as more knowledge of the sediment transport pattern is gained, the resolution of the sediment pattern can be increased towards the site of interest. Intensive research on sediment transport processes takes place around the world. The modelling system is therefore continuously being developed to maintain it as a state-of-the-art modelling tool.