Modelling the 1775 storm surge deposits at the Heemskerk dunes

After a storm surge in November 2007, older storm surge deposits were discovered in the eroded dunes near Heemskerk, the Netherlands. These deposits undulate in height with a maximum elevation of over 6 m above mean sea level. Luminescence dating suggests that the layers were deposited by either the 1775 or the 1776 storm surge. The aim of this...

The longshore dimension in dune overwash modelling: Development, verification and validation of XBeach

The primary objective of this thesis is to generate a 2DH-numerical model to simulate dune overwash. The first stage in this is achieved by modifying the program code of an existing overwash model in development, XBeach, to enable 2DH calculations. In the second stage the hydrodynamics of the model are verified using theoretical and laboratory...

Opening and closure of intermittently open natural inlets

Tidal inlet systems are found all over the world. These highly dynamic coastal features can be classified into three main types wave-dominated, tide-dominated or river-dominated tidal inlet systems. A tidal inlet is described as an opening in the shoreline that provides a connection between the ocean and a bay and is maintained by tidal currents...

Modelling sediment transport and morphology during overwash and breaching events

Currently, morphodynamic models as XBeach show substantial overestimations of the erosion rates during breaching and overwash events at barrier islands. The presently used limitations on the Shields parameter and the sediment concentration do hinder erosion, but have undesirable side effects, e.g. the breaching process is suppressed. By...

Modeling the effects of hard structures on dune erosion and overwash

Many of the most densely populated areas are located near the coast. Climate change and population growth put more and more pressure on these coastal areas. As free space is becoming sparse, coastal disaster risk reduction plans need to be spatially efficient. In this thesis the sandy coast with hard structures, such as buildings or dune...

Cross-shore morphological response on Chaland Headland due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike

Morphological impact of the Sinterklaas storm at Het Zwin: Numerical modelling with XBeach

A very large storm hit the coasts of The Netherlands-and most of north-west Europe-during the evening of the 5th of December 2013. The Sinterklaas storm, as it was later known, induced extremely high water levels and substantial dune erosion all along the Dutch coastline. In this thesis the morphological impact of the Sinterklaas storm at one...