In close collaboration with Delft University of Technology, mathematical techniques are explored and modelling software is developed in view of the idealized modelling of the tide-induced water motion, transport of sediments (and contaminants) and the morphodynamic evolution of estuaries.

Idealized process-based models are complementary tools to the so-called complex process-based models.

The latter take all physical processes and geometrical details into account when predicting the evolution of tidal systems. These models typically aim at a highly accurate representation of reality and apply time-stepping (to an equilibrium situation or not), require large computing times and produce large quantities of data. The aforementioned characteristics are neither favorable for performing thorough analyses, nor for acquiring physical insight into tidal systems.

Idealized models only account for the most relevant physical processes and geometrical characteristics in the mathematical equations. Such models are particularly suitable for exploratory studies, in which it is exactly the aim to acquire physical insight, based on a large number of computationally cheap model runs.