A ten-year numerical hindcast of hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics in the Loire Estuary

Abstract

A numerical hindcast of the macrotidal Loire Estuary (France) has been generated to provide a long-term dataset (2008–2018) of estuarine hydrodynamics, temperature, salinity, and sediment dynamics. This hindcast is based on simulations coupling water motion, wave and mixed sediment models, forced with realistic conditions and extensively validated in the salinity gradient and turbidity maximum areas. These data represent extremely valuable information for diverse scientific communities, providing (i) environmental parameters for ecosystemic studies along the Loire River–sea continuum, (ii) a singular estuarine configuration for inter-comparison of estuarine functioning, and (iii) a ten-year synoptical view of a major estuarine environment of the North Atlantic Ocean.