Environmental fluid mechanics
Within this research theme, we study the flow processes and river bed changes in deltas.
Environmental Fluid Mechanics applies fluid dynamics principles to study the behavior of water in natural settings. It investigates interactions between fluid flow and environmental features, addressing issues like river dynamics, coastal processes, and pollutant transport. This field provides essential insights for understanding and managing environmental challenges. This research line focusses on flow processes and river bed changes in deltas using new monitoring methods using acoustic, optical and radar measurements.
In deltas, rivers branch out into inland channels that are influenced by marine influences. Extremely high discharges can compromise the safety of residents and strong currents can accelerate erosion. Extremely low tides can cause ships to run aground and can lead to salinity intrusion, which can have consequences for the freshwater supply. Here, knowledge from hydrology, oceanography and geology is combined. A better understanding of delta flow processes is needed to develop environmentally friendly interventions that can help us counteract the effects of climate change, which leads to more extreme river discharges and rising sea levels.'
Our topics
- Salt intrusion
- Mixed sediment transport
- Drowning of intertidal areas
- Hyperturbidity
- Estuarine morphodynamics
“My research and teaching efforts focus on flow processes and river bed changes caused by river discharge, tides, wind and density differences between salt water and freshwater.”
- Ton Hoitink
- Professor Environmental fluid mechanics
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prof.dr.ir. AJF (Ton) Hoitink
Personal professor