Modeling of Coastal Processes in the Mediterranean Sea: A Pilot Study on the Entrance of Suez Canal in Egypt

Abstract

The main objective of this research is applying numerical modeling to simulate the impact of the Suez Canal jetties on the beach morphology and hydrodynamic regime along the Suez Canal coastal zone. In addition, coastal processes including waves and wave-induced currents will be evaluated using 2D modeling. This research will contribute to quantify the shoreline stability during the last three decades. Hydrodynamic and sediment transport (ST) models are utilized to predict sediment transport pathways and how sediment might move within the entrance of Suez Canal port. Remote sensing analyses of the Landsat Thematic Mapper images during 2000-2018 show siltation processes at the entrance of the Suez Canal. Vector analyses of the images' data indicated updrift accretion at a rate of +15 m/year and downdrift erosion at a rate of −13 m/year. Coastal processes including waves and currents contribute to shoaling problem along the navigation channel of the Suez Canal port. Applications of 2-3D models were used to simulate wave and current dissipation. In addition, beach slope profiles and hydrodynamic models are used to help in understanding the impact of coastal processes on beach morphology and hydrodynamic regime controlling siltation problem along the entrance of Port Said harbor.