Abstract

With the application of Delft3D Flow model, the variation of flow field was mainly studied in this paper under the improvement project of Deep-Channel on the Yangtze estuary. A two-dimensional numerical model was developed to simulate the flow field at the Yangtze estuary around this project. Through the verification of water level and flow velocity in March 2002, the calculated values were in excellent agreement with the observed data. Consequently, the model was used to study the impact imposed by the deep-water channel project. The results shows that the variations only occurred on a certain part of flow field. After the comparison and analysis of the water level, current velocity at different observation points and water flux at defined sections before and after the project, the model results revealed the fact that the project had a larger impact on current velocity and flux than that on water level. And the influence of the project only focused on the northern channel where the project was located.

Keywords: the Yangtze Estuary; the improvement project of Deep-Channel; Delft3D-Flow; flow field