Modelling impact of northerly wind-generated waves on sediments resuspensions in the Dover Strait and adjacent waters

摘要: Abstract A numerical approach based on the coupling of wave propagation module SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore) with three-dimensional circulation COHERENS (COupled Hydrodynamical-Ecological model for RegioNal and Shelf seas) is developed to simulate impact a northerly wind-generated storm resuspensions heterogeneous sediments in Dover Strait adjacent waters. Suspended sediment transport computed four grain-size classes silts ( d 1 = 25 μ m ) , very fine sands 2 75 3 150 medium 4 350 . Predicted times histories variables near-bottom mean current total suspended concentration (SSC) are compared field data collected off Merlimont Beach, south Boulogne-sur-Mer. Mappings growth SSC during produced. The increases by at site. multiplying factor reaches 40 along exposed northern French coastline revealing Flandres bed features. This increase limited five deep waters southern local strengthening top Vergoyer Bassure de Baas sandbanks. modifies granulometric composition materials increasing contribution sands. Main modifications appear south-western entrance North Sea. remain elsewhere dominated added remote resuspended advected currents.