Coastal Modelling Environment version 1.0: a framework for integrating landform-specific component models in order to simulate decadal to centennial morphological changes on complex coasts
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 hav...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2017-07-01
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| Series: | Geoscientific Model Development |
| Online Access: | https://www.geosci-model-dev.net/10/2715/2017/gmd-10-2715-2017.pdf |
| Summary: | 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. |
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| ISSN: | 1991-959X 1991-9603 |