Depth-Integrated modeling of sediment transport in the Po River

This work proposes a depth-averaged approach for analyzing the behavior of suspended sediment, with a focus on modeling sediment transport in the Po River. The research is based on a mathematical formulation that describes sediment fluxes under slowly varying flow conditions by employing an asymptotic technique. The purpose of this modeling framework is to improve our understanding of the behavior of sediments in the Po River, especially concerning hydrodynamic interactions and environmental management issues. The main objective is to create a model for simulating the processes of suspended sediment transport that accounts for possible settling lag effects during flood events. Preliminary results show that the model accurately captures important sediment dynamics and emphasizes the important influence of flood waves on controlling the suspended solid concentration. The research shows enhanced accuracy and performance of the model by incorporating higher-order corrections into the depth-averaged equations. In the end, our research attempts to address both ecological issues and engineering applications relevant to sediment movement in fluvial systems, offering significant insights into long-term river management.