Using a two-step framework for the investigation of storm impacted beach/dune erosion

authored by

Pushpa Dissanayake, Jennifer Brown, Philipp Sibbertsen, Christian Winter

Abstract

Long-term coastal management of beach/dune systems requires the definition and assessment of storm events. This study presents a framework using statistical analyses and numerical modelling (XBeach) to characterize storm events and investigate their impact on beach/dune erosion. The method is developed using exemplary data from Formby Point on the Sefton coast (UK), which has a complex beach morphology and frontal dunes. Relevant storm events are classified by a versatile univariate response function taking into account both nearshore water levels and offshore significant wave heights (Hs). It is shown that compared to the established storm classification (Hs ≥ 2.5 m) 35% more storm events that are relevant for beach/dune erosion are identified. Also the events exceed critical conditions for longer durations, and cause greater erosion impact (12%) along the beach/dune profile. The proposed classification of storm events thus captures relevant events for the storm erosion and can inform coastal management strategies. This framework is widely applicable to other beach/dune systems.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Statistics

External Organisation(s)

Kiel University
National Oceanography Centre

Type

Article

Journal

Coastal engineering

Volume

168

ISSN

0378-3839

Publication date

09.2021

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Environmental Engineering, Ocean Engineering

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 14 - Life Below Water

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coastaleng.2021.103939 (Access: Open)
https://doi.org/10.15488/12387 (Access: Open)