An integrated coastal modeling system for analyzing beach processes and beach restoration projects, SMC

• Published in: Computers & geosciences 2007-07, Vol.33 (7), p.916-931
• Main Authors: González, M., Medina, R., Gonzalez-Ondina, J., Osorio, A., Méndez, F.J., García, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Areal geology. Maps; Beach nourishment; Beach project design; Coastal modeling; Coastal numerical model; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Geologic maps, cartography; Littoral GUI; Pollution, environment geology
• ISSN: 0098-3004; 1873-7803
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cageo.2006.12.005

A user-friendly system called coastal modeling system (SMC) has been developed by the Spanish Ministry of Environment and the University of Cantabria. The system includes several numerical models specifically developed for the application of the methodology proposed in the Spanish Beach Nourishment and Protection Manual. According to this methodology, the SMC is structured into five -modules: (1) Pre-process module; (2) Short-term module; (3) Long-term module; (4) Coastal terrain module; and (5) Tutorial module. The pre-process module allows the processing of a database of morphodynamic information used as input for the different programs and models of the SMC. Short-, Long-term modules include numerical models to analyze coastal systems on different scales of variability (hours–months–years) and are composed of morphodynamic evolution models in cross-profile 2DV and beach plan 2DH. The coastal terrain module allows the user to modify the working bathymetry and to combine bathymetries from different sources in only one working bathymetry. The tutorial module includes a comprehensive collection of coastal engineering design and analysis software. The SMC has a dynamic design and allows the incorporation of future new databases and morphodynamic models. The SMC system is freely distributed to coastal practitioners and has already been implemented in several countries.