A New Morphodynamical Modeling Platform: Application to Characteristic Sandy systems of the Aquitanian Coast, France

Abstract : Along coasts, waves and wave-induced currents are the main factors of morphological evolution. A morphodynamic model is constructed to take into account tide changes, wind conditions and waves in the computation of the induced currents and morphological evolution. The spectral wave model SWAN, the shallowwater model MARS and a sedimentary module are coupled to create the morphodynamic model. First, we validate the hydrodynamics of the model on two characteristic complex bathymetries: an idealised subtidal crescentic bar and an intertidal ridge and runnel system. The crescentic bar induces wave energy focalisation zones which could give rise to transverse bars. Thus, we investigate the morphology evolution of the intertidal area. Simulations appear to show the formation of inner bars that connect the subtidal bar with the intertidal area.