NUMERICAL MODELLING OF LONG-TERM MORPHOLOGY IN THE SURF ZONE OF THE BELGIAN COAST

Li Wang,Koen Trouw,Nicolas Zimmermann,Joris Vanlede,Bart De Maerschalck

doi:10.9753/icce.v34.sediment.42

Li Wang, Koen Trouw + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.9753/icce.v34.sediment.42

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Abstract

Longshore sediment transport in the surf zone plays a considerable role in the long-term morphological behaviour of the Belgian coast. In order to be able to analyse coastal protection measures in the future, a 2D morphology model is developed within the Delft3D software suit using a curvilinear grid which follows the coastline closely. A schematised tide and wave climate is used as boundary conditions for the model. In addition, a constant morphological acceleration factor (MorFac) and the MorMerge online-parallel approach are employed to achieve modelling of the long-term morphology within reasonable computation time. Qualitatively, most major morphological changes are well captured by the model. The modelled sedimentation/erosion is further quantitatively compared with beach erosion/deposition trends of the last 25 years presented in Houthuys (2012). The model still shows a reasonableagreement and its quality is discussed.

Highlights

Longshore sediment transport in the surf zone plays a considerable role in the long-term morphological behaviour of the Belgian coast
This study aims to develop a numerical model which can be employed as a reliable tool to evaluate the long-term morphological evolution of the surf zone along the Belgian Coast
COASTAL ENGINEERING 2014 sediment transport model covering the Belgian coast is developed within the Delft3D software suit, with boundary conditions consisting of a schematised tide and wave

Summary

Introduction

Longshore sediment transport in the surf zone plays a considerable role in the long-term morphological behaviour of the Belgian coast. The longshore sediment transport in the surf zone plays a considerable role in the long-term morphological behaviour of the beach and shoreface. Detailed numerical modelling of the hydrodynamics (of waves, tidal currents, water levels), sediment transport and changing morphology is the main tool to gain insight in the long-term processes, to predict future changes and to set up an integrated sand policy in the coastal zone. This study aims to develop a numerical model which can be employed as a reliable tool to evaluate the long-term morphological evolution of the surf zone along the Belgian Coast. The model is used to simulate ten year of sedimentation/erosion in the surf zone of the Belgian Coast and modelling results are analysed and discussed

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