DO WE NEED PRE-STORM SURVEYED BATHYMETRY FOR OPERATIONAL EROSION FORECASTING? EVALUATION OF REPRESENTATIVE AND SYNTHETIC BATHYMETRY ALTERNATIVES

Abstract

Immediate pre-storm bathymetry is a key input required for numerical models used in coastal hazard Early Warning Systems. However, the expense and challenging nature of hydrographic surveying means that the availability of high-quality data is extremely rare. This study evaluates the extent to which synthetic and representative bathymetry alternatives can be used to obtain reliable predictions of storm induced sub-aerial erosion using the XBeach coastal erosion numerical model. Multiple storm events at 2 contrasting sites are modelled using 6 bathymetry scenarios including pre-storm surveyed bathymetries, an average bathymetry, and Dean profiles. The output is analysed to evaluate the skill of XBeach erosion predictions as a function of the bathymetry used.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/bE3aXVXxZqQ