Science Conceptual models of Australian estuaries and coastal waterways

The development of science models is undertaken to:

provide a synthesis of science for those working with, managing and making decisions about estuaries
underpin estuarine indicator selection
link with mapping and management
highlight knowledge gaps and research priorities
useful education tools
stimulate the development of, and underpin, local models

Geomorphic Models

Example of a conceptual model of wave-dominated estuary Currently there is no comprehensive typology of Australian estuaries, however, the geomorphic classification presented here is a initial start and is currently the national default typology. Geomorphic conceptual models have been developed for each of the seven types of Australian estuaries and coastal waterways:
Embayments and drowned river valleys | Wave-dominated estuaries | Wave-dominated deltas | Coastal lagoons and strandplains | Tide-dominated estuaries | Tide-dominated deltas | Tidal creeks

Each conceptual model comprises a three-dimensional block diagram depicting detailed summaries of the structure, evolutionary characteristics, and basic habitat distribution for each coastal waterway type. These block diagrams can be "overlain" by flow diagrams that depict some of the important biotic and abiotic processes, namely hydrology, sediment dynamics, and nutrient dynamics. The models were developed with close linkages to the Coastal Indicators module. It is intended that these conceptual models should continually evolve and be improved through ongoing testing and review by coastal managers and researchers. You can provide feedback about any aspect of the conceptual models here.

Process Models

Science models of 5 key estuarine processes have been developed for a generalised Australian estuary. These models show how hydrological processes, sediment trapping and stabilisation, physical habitat, food webs and nutrient cycling work within an estuary and link to adjoining terrestrial and marine systems. More detailed information on these processes (excluding food webs), specific to a particular geomorphic estuarine types, can be found within the geomorphic models pages.

	Hydrological processes		Sediment trapping and stabilisation
	Physical habitat		Food webs
	Nutrient cycling

Threat Models

Science models of 2 key threats to estuaries have been developed for a generalised Australian estuary. These models show how dredging and, draining and infilling may impact an estuary.

Dredging | Draining and Infill