Modeling the Effects of Interior Headland Restoration on Estuarine Sediment Transport Processes in a Marine-Dominant Estuary: Delft3D Model Output

The effects of interior headland restoration on estuarine sediment transport processes are assessed through process-based numerical modeling. Three proposed interior headland restoration scenarios in the Grand Bay estuary (Mississippi/Alabama) are modeled using Delft3D (developed by Deltares) to understand impacts on suspended sediment concentrations, bed level morphology and sediment fluxes under present-day conditions and a sea level rise of 0.5 meters (m). Delft3D model output of suspended sediment concentrations, sediment fluxes, initial and final bed levels, and hydrodynamic data are included in this dataset. Model output from six scenarios (comprised of three restoration alternatives and two sea level conditions) as forced by 18 climatological wind and wave forcing conditions are included.

The Delft3D was used to assess effects of interior headland restoration. Appropriate use of this data includes the assessment of morphological, sediment process, and hydrodynamic differences due to the placement of restored features and sea level for the Grand Bay estuary. Data presented includes model grid coordinates, input elevations with and without restoration features, suspended sediment concentrations, sediment fluxes, morphologic data, and hydrodynamic variables of significant wave heights and water levels. For further information regarding data collection and/or processing methods, refer to the associated journal article (Jenkins and others, 2023).

Jenkins, R.L., Passeri, D.P., Smith, C.G., Thompson, D.M., and Smith, K.E.L., 2023, Modeling the effects of interior headland restoration on estuarine sediment transport processes in a marine-dominant estuary: Frontiers in Marine Science, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1217830.