Abstract
Abstract. The ability to model morphological changes on complex, multi-landform coasts over decadal to centennial timescales is essential for sustainable coastal management worldwide. One approach involves coupling of landform-specific simulation models (e.g. cliffs, beaches, dunes and estuaries) that have been independently developed. An alternative, novel approach explored in this paper is to capture the essential characteristics of the landform-specific models using a common spatial representation within an appropriate software framework. This avoid the problems that result from the model-coupling approach due to between-model differences in the conceptualizations of geometries, volumes and locations of sediment. In the proposed framework, the Coastal Modelling Environment (CoastalME), change in coastal morphology is represented by means of dynamically linked raster and geometrical objects. A grid of raster cells provides the data structure for representing quasi-3-D spatial heterogeneity and sediment conservation. Other geometrical objects (lines, areas and volumes) that are consistent with, and derived from, the raster structure represent a library of coastal elements (e.g. shoreline, beach profiles and estuary volumes) as required by different landform-specific models. As a proof-of-concept, we illustrate the capabilities of an initial version of CoastalME by integrating a cliff–beach model and two wave propagation approaches. We verify that CoastalME can reproduce behaviours of the component landform-specific models. Additionally, the integration of these component models within the CoastalME framework reveals behaviours that emerge from the interaction of landforms, which have not previously been captured, such as the influence of the regional bathymetry on the local alongshore sediment-transport gradient and the effect on coastal change on an undefended coastal segment and on sediment bypassing of coastal structures.
Highlights
Coastal managers worldwide must plan for decadal to centennial time horizons (e.g. Nicholls et al, 2012) and may well need to assess longer-term adaptation measures (Brown et al, 2014; Hall et al, 2012)
We have demonstrated the integrative capacity of this novel framework by implementing several component models (Table 3)
We have presented here a description of, and proof of concept results from, a flexible and innovative modelling framework (CoastalME) for integrated coastal morphodynamic modelling at decadal to centennial timescales and spatial scales of 10 to 100 s km
Summary
Coastal managers worldwide must plan for decadal to centennial time horizons (e.g. Nicholls et al, 2012) and may well need to assess longer-term adaptation measures (Brown et al, 2014; Hall et al, 2012). A. Payo et al.: Coastal Modelling Environment version 1.0 et al, 1993) because of the omission of processes that govern long-term change (Murray, 2007; Werner, 2003) and computational limitations (Daly et al, 2015). Payo et al.: Coastal Modelling Environment version 1.0 et al, 1993) because of the omission of processes that govern long-term change (Murray, 2007; Werner, 2003) and computational limitations (Daly et al, 2015) Faced with this impasse, coastal geomorphologists have begun to adopt simpler behaviourally based approaches or large-scale coastal behavioural (LSCB) models (Terwindt and Battjes, 1990).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
