2D numerical modelling of bed profile changes due to tsunami effects on near shore coasts: Kadikoy case study

Abstract

This study was aimed at the investigation of tsunami effects on the seabed profile as these may be important for coastal structures, like sea outfalls or breakwaters. Tsunamis are well known with huge wave heights and destructive effects on the coastal region. A 2D numerical model was set using the software, COSMOS to calculate the cross-shore sediment transport and to evaluate profile changes in the coastal seabed. The study area is Kadikoy region, a densely populated industrial coastal area in South East Istanbul. The model was run for different kinds of tsunami waves. Not only the bed profile changes, but also the wave heights, breaker depths, peak wave bottom orbital velocities, wave set-up and cross-shore sediment transport rates were determined. The results indicated that, at a water depth around 40-50 m, some tsunamis were found to have a wave height of order of 15 m, which became about 5 m at a depth of 10 m. The wave set up near the coast was about 1.5-2 m. The results also implied that tsunami waves, with their destructive nature, could lead to dramatic vertical changes of the seabed.