Multi-dimensional numerical simulation of flow and salinity transport processes in the Nile estuary in the context of sea level rise

At the mouth of the Nile an interaction between the Nile water and the saltwater of the Mediterranean Sea takes place. This kind of complex interaction is important as it could have several impacts on the Nile and the surrounding agriculture lands. Moreover, this phenomenon is very important for the water policy of the country. The anticipated sea level rise due to climate change can considerably affect the aforementioned interaction. In this research, the interaction between the Nile and the Mediterranean Sea, in terms of water and salinity transport, was studied by the mean of numerical modeling. The area under study was the last reach of Rosetta branch of the Nile River. Multi-dimensional models for the Nile Estuary were set up, and the TELEMAC-MASCARET modeling system was used for this purpose. The main aim of the research was to simulate the current conditions of flow and salinity transport in the Nile Estuary to improve the process understanding and to investigate possible changes due to the anticipated sea level rise. The current status was first modeled based on the mean conditions of flow and sea water level, in order to investigate the propagation of saltwater inside the Nile. Then scenarios for the sea level rise were assessed to evaluate the influence of sea level rise on the propagation of gravity currents. Several test cases were also analyzed to verify the model.