The objectives of this research are to:

1. to evaluate the generic effects of shore-parallel breakwaters in tidal environments on coastal morphology at scales of kilometres and years, using a combination of deterministic and probabilistic morphological modelling and new longer-term hydrodynamic and morphological data, and

2. to provide enhanced tools to improve the design guidelines which will be undertaken in parallel by Halcrow and HR Wallingford funded by DERFA/EA.

Specifically, the research work will be focused on:

1. Further development of process models to include additional processes, such as over-topping, wave streaming and effect of bound waves;

2. Model sensitivity study for developing a best minimum process model and improved aggregation approaches for medium-term prediction;

3. Development and test of probabilistic/engineering morphological models for long-term prediction;

4. Extensive hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements, including bathymetric surveys of the area to provide detailed information for model testing and validation, and to identify sediment transport pathways under the influence of a group of nearshore structures;

5. Long-term monitoring of coastline evolution using advanced video and radar techniques to provide valuable insight into the morphodynamics of tidal environments protected by shore-parallel breakwaters and boundary conditions, calibration and validation data for new numerical models;

6. Providing data to improve conceptual model of how the SSPBs at Sea Palling operate and interact with local and artificial sediment sources as well as their interaction with adjacent areas for better coastal management;

7. Providing data to improve the existing design guidelines.

Storm Event, Winter 2003-04

Links:

• LEACOAST Project