Introduction

Semi-empirical models, based on empirical-equilibrium relations among inlet elements, have been used to investigate the long-term evolution of tidal inlets and to determine the critical rate of sea level rise which would result in tidal flats that are in dynamic equilibrium state (Van Goor, 2003). Further, Van Dongeren and De Vriend (1994) described the application of a semi-empirical model to predict tidal flat evolution under accelerated rates of sea level rise. However, to date, the results of these approaches have not been compared with process-based model predictions. The present study employs both the process-based model Delft3D and the semi-empirical model ASMITA to compare and contrast predictions obtained using both modelling approaches.