‘Metronome’ officially opened

The Metronome is a unique invention, designed to enable scale modelling of river estuaries, such as the Westerschelde (Western Scheldt). Places like this are essential for people, plants and animals. The highly impressive research tool was officially opened on 12 January.

Tilting container

River estuaries are important areas for both people and nature. In order to fully understand the influence that rising sea levels, for example, have on them, we first need to know how river estuaries are shaped by nature as a result of different combinations of river flow, tides and vegetation.

Prof Maarten Kleinhans from Utrecht University has commissioned the construction of an enormous metal container measuring 20 metres by 3 metres that slowly tilts to and fro. The tilting mimics the ebb and flow of the tides. In addition, a river flows in the container and storm waves are generated that crash against the coast. Although the earliest experiments simulating river estuaries were carried out over a century ago, thanks to the Metronome they have proved successful for the very first time.

Improving computer models

In the Metronome, every minute is the equivalent of a day in the real world. Kleinhans monitors the changing landscapes with cameras and then uses what he learns to improve computer models. As well as conducting research into the natural development of river estuaries, interventions, such as deepening the waterway, and future scenarios, such as rising sea levels, will be simulated in order to investigate their long-term effects on the landscape.

Official opening

The first experiments have now been conducted and are highly promising. The giant research tool was therefore officially opened on 12 January. Dean of the Geosciences faculty Piet Hoekstra, General Director of Deltares Maarten Smits and, of course, Kleinhans himself explained the enormous social and scientific impact of the new equipment. Finally, the brief documentary on the development of the Metronome was shown.

Christiaan Brunings Lecture

The opening was followed by the very first Christiaan Brunings Lecture. Although there is still only limited research being conducted worldwide into rivers and river estuaries, Kleinhans hopes that this annual lecture will help bring together the available knowledge. The event featured keynote speaker Prof James Best from the University of Illinois explaining his research into sandbanks in the Columbia River estuary in the United States. Further information about the lecture can be found at uu.nl/bruningslecture.

Sustainability at Utrecht University

By combining its expertise in the field of sustainability, Utrecht University develops integrated solutions for sustainability issues contributing to a better future for following generations. This theme connects Utrecht’s excellent sustainability research from the humanities, sciences and social sciences with a focus on water, energy and a healthy environment. Sustainability is one of the four strategic research themes at Utrecht University.

More information on the research theme Sustainability