Measurements and modeling of aeolian sand transport on dynamic cobble berm revetments
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Dynamic cobble berm revetments are a nature-based adaptation solution aimed at preventing or slowing coastal erosion. Dynamic cobble berm revetments mimic natural composite beaches that consist of a low-sloping sandy beach backed by a steeper cobble slope. During high wind conditions, wind can blow sand from the sandy beach into the cobble berm. Subsequent infilling of a dynamic revetment by aeolian (wind-driven) sand transport is hypothesized to affect its morphological development and performance, e.g. by reducing wave infiltration and increasing overtopping. However, aeolian sand transport on dynamic cobble berm revetments has not yet been measured or simulated with numerical models. Here, we use event-based measurements to show that dynamic revetments can trap 93-100% of the aeolian sand transport from the beach. Additionally, we adapt a numerical aeolian sediment transport model (AeoLiS) to replicate the physical processes that cause sand infilling. As a result, the model reproduces the timing and spatial patterns of measured aeolian transport and simulates sand infilling of a dynamic revetment. The modified model considers wind-driven sand infilling and provides a pathway for considering the combined effect of marine and aeolian processes (i.e., by coupling with a hydrodynamic model) in dynamic revetment design.
Source: Coastal Engineering
Institution: Oregon State University
Language: English
Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,250
OpenAlex ID: W4413426689