Beach Profile Model with Size-Selective Sediment Transport. II: Numerical Modeling

Beach profile evolution is a dynamic phenomenon that often leads to threatening consequences such as severe beach erosion and shoreline retreat. A new comprehensive morphodynamic model is introduced in this study that includes representation of bedload and suspended size-selective sediment transport and cross-shore sediment grain-sorting models. The model is capable of simulating the changes in cross-shore bathymetry and sediment grain size composition observed under laboratory conditions for both erosive- and accretive-type equilibrium beach profiles. The new model is most advantageous for scenarios with poorly sorted sediments or sites with strong cross-shore variability in sediment grain sizes. Information on sediment size composition in the domain and its history is also provided by the new model, which can be useful for engineering, recreational, or biological considerations.