Modelling the effect of twin storms on dune erosion: Applying XBeach to model the dune erosion for single and twin storms constructed using simulated weather data

When two storms quickly succeed one another, it can be called a twin storm. Storm conditions at the coast can lead to higher water levels and waves that can give rise to dune erosion. Therefore, after a storm the dunes are smaller than before the storm. Dune accretion is a much slower process than dune erosion; it can take weeks to months of...

Predicting erosion of vegetated dunes during hurricanes: Assessing the representation of vegetation effects in XBeach

Coastal dunes serve as the primary defence mechanism against coastal storms for many coastal communities around the world. Vegetation plays a role in increasing dune resiliency as it enables dune growth, however not enough is known about its effects during storms. Research has shown that the current climate crisis will increase the intensity of...

A hybrid solution for the Galveston Seawall: A study on the reduction of the hydraulic loads by a sand cover at the Galveston Seawall with the use of XBeach

The City of Galveston is protected from extreme storm impact by a 17-km concrete seawall facing the Gulf of Mexico. Recent investigations have shown that the seawall may not be sufficient any more to protect against a 1 in 100 year design storm. Since raising the seawall disconnects the city from the beach and may be very costly, a hybrid...