Coastal Sediment Transport along Kalpakkam using Sediment Trend Exploaration and Numerical Modelling

Abstract

The impact of coastal sediment transport in the nearshore region is significant and the need for improved sediment quantification techniques appears to be universally accepted. The coastal sediment transport models presently in use were derived empirically from very sparse measurements of waves and currents and from laboratory experiments. The shoreline of Kadalur fishing villages near Kalpakkam has been experiencing erosion due to occurrence of cyclones every monsoon. Palar River with its confluence in the Bay of Bengal at the northern tip of the Kadalur villages has its mouth closed due to negligible river flow. The purpose of this study is to assess sediment dynamics in the Kalpakkam coast using two independent approaches; namely Sediment Trend Analysis (STA) and two dimensional numerical modelling. The latter can track the movement of individual particles. Numerical modelling approach is based on Delft3D model which allows the coupling of flow and wave modules. STA and numerical modelling results can provide sediment transport direction. The combination of both approaches provides a means of verification of sedimentation processes. The basic assumption in STA is that sediment transport can be responsible for the differences in sediment grain size distributions. For Grain Size Trend Analysis, grab samples were collected throughout the nearshore area. Grain Size Trend Analysis was then carried out and subsequent results were plotted to obtain the sediment transport pattern for the region. The results obtained are compared with the numerical model results and also used for validation of sediment transport evaluated using the numerical model.