MODELLING THE EFFECT OF COASTLINE ORIENTATION ON STORM EROSION AT THE SYLT ISLAND, NORTH SEA

Abstract

The effect of coastline orientation on storm erosion was investigated using a hybrid numerical modelling approach (Delft3D and XBeach) on the convex-shape North Sea coast of Sylt. Storm impacts were simulated using different severity events occurring in a cluster and alone. Both models predicted reasonable wave dynamics (RMSE of wave spectral density 0.45 m2/Hz). XBeach resulted in higher erosion above MSL than Delft3D. High severity events approached the coast from the SW- NW sector (i.e., dominant storm approach on this coast). The convex-shape of the coastline provided however different storm landfall at individual locations along the coast. The coastal stretch from the apex to the North showed high vulnerability to storm erosion with the highest erosion at the apex, when the storm events approach from the northwesterly directions. This coastal stretch draws attention in the application of management strategies to withstand the storm erosion.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/JP7K-5itPnI