University of Twente Student Theses
Modeling Cliff Erosion in Salt Marshes : Spatially varying erodibility coefficient based on vegetation
Pasma, Rienk (2024) Modeling Cliff Erosion in Salt Marshes : Spatially varying erodibility coefficient based on vegetation.
|
PDF
6MB |
| Abstract: | Salt marshes face growing threats from sea-level rise, storms, and human activities that accelerate erosion. Accurately modeling cliff erosion is essential for managing these impacts, but many existing models use a spatially uniform erodibility coefficient to represent the relationship between erosion rates and wave power. This simplification overlooks the variability introduced by different vegetation types, densities, and soil properties, resulting in reduced prediction accuracy. This thesis improves a cliff erosion model by incorporating spatially varying erodibility coefficients based on vegetation density. Originally developed for the Mississippi River Delta Plain, the model was adapted for Wierum, Netherlands, with adjustments for local conditions, including a meso-tidal regime and the use of site-specific datasets. The study applied the Delft3D-FM model to simulate hydrodynamics and erosion, refining the model to account for vegetation effects. Validation against observed erosion rates showed that vegetation reduced erodibility by 27-68%, depending on stem density. The modified model, with its spatially varying erodibility coefficient, significantly improved statistical metrics compared to the original version, offering a more accurate tool for predicting erosion. Future recommendations include refining models with more site-specific data and conducting studies across different locations to enhance coastal defense strategies and salt marsh resilience. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Clients: | The Water Institute, Baton Rouge, United States of America |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 38 earth sciences, 56 civil engineering |
| Programme: | Civil Engineering and Management MSc (60026) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104393 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page