Project in brief
How can we use the North Sea and the coastal zone in a sustainable way, whilst taking account of the consequences of anticipated climate changes such as sea level rises and an altered storm surge regime, and existing and future claims on space? To answer this question, we are carrying out research into hydrodynamic, morphological and geotechnical processes. We will also look at the interaction between sediment economics and ecology. In addition, we are developing innovative techniques to forecast sedimentation. Using this newly acquired knowledge, we will be able to determine whether new development plans fit in with (European) standards, and how this can best be tested. The project is divided into three work packages, namely ‘Sustainable development and pre-conditions’, ‘Translating bio-geomorpholigical process knowledge to the large-scale’, and ‘Morpho-dynamics of the North Sea and coast, and coastal defences’.
The interest
The North Sea is one of the most intensively used marine areas in the world. Carrying out large-scale works such as construction of the Second Maas plain (Tweede Maasvlakte) or offshore wind turbine parks will have a major impact, both locally and nationally, on the morphology and ecology of the seabed and coastal zone. At the same time, morphological processes will affect these types of instrastructural works. It is therefore necessary to carry out research into the morphodynamics and ecology of the seabed as well, so that the environmental impact and exploitation costs of interventions can be determined.
Work packages
The research project is divided into the following three work packages:
Product of knowledge
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What is it?
Data integration model that can be used to calculate bed position and morphology under the waves using video images of the coast (taken from a lighthouse or high building) and computer models.
What can we use this for?
This model can be used to accurately calculate the erosion of sandy coastlines during storms. This model is unique in that it uses information about the underwater bed. This information is derived in an innovative way from video images of breaking waves. These video images are made continuously. Until now, information about the underwater bed could only be obtained by carrying out expensive depth measurements. Using this new technique, we are able to see more clearly how the coastline, including the front bank, changes throughout the course of the season (in a manner of speaking, per day).
Who will be interested?
Coastal managers, dredging companies, scientists.
More information
ap.vandongeren@deltares.nl
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What is it?
OpenEarth is an integrated open source approach for data, models, tools, and knowledge, enabling project results to be developed further and project excesses to be safeguarded against. A working method has therefore been developed, including the accompanying infrastructure, which offers consultants and researchers the possibility to work together quickly and inexpensively whilst safeguarding against project excesses. Training, readings, manuals and support are offered, as well as the physical infrastructure, to embed the intended working method as part of daily use by consultants/researchers,
What can we use this for?
Via the knowledge system, we can develop, improve and internationally distribute analysis tools for coastal problems. Parties who use Open Earth can provide better specialist advice in the field of physical system behaviour in coastal area within a shorter timeframe and at a lower cost.
Who will be interested?
Coastal managers, dredging companies, scientists.
More information
www.openearth.nl
gerben.deboer@deltares.nl,
f.baart@tudelft.nl,
m.vankoningsveld@tudelft.nl
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What is it?
Two-day PAO course.
What can we use this for?
Participants:
• Learn about all facets and forms of geotextile sand elements.
• Learn to balance the situations in which geotextile sand elements can be used as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative for more traditional solutions.
• Learn about the materials, their properties and the conditions in which they can be used.
• Learn how geotextile sand elements are designed and evaluated in hydraulic engineering structures.
Who will be interested?
Engineering consultants, building contractors, Department of Transport, Public Works, and Water Management.
More information
j.g.degijt@tudelft.nl
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What is it?
A new coast maintenance method, where extremely large quantities for sand are introduced along the coast at one time. Waves, currents, and wind then ensure that the sand is distributed over many years in such a way that the coastline grows naturally.
What can we use this for?
Current coastline maintenance is reactive. The quantity of sand that is added each year is attuned to compensate for the current rise in sea level. The Zandmotor is a proactive solution that increases the coast’s climate buffer. By introducing large quantities of sand, the coastline is readied beforehand for a (possible) decline in the future. It is also an effective way to extend the coastline evenly, and to combine coastal maintenance with the development of nature and recreation.
Who will be interested?
Coastal managers, dredging companies, area developers, scientists.
More information
jan.mulder@deltares.nl
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What is it?
A tool that helps you quickly develop a coastal model.
What can we use this for?
This tool makes it possible to quickly create a simulation of a coastal system by using a clever method to retrieve all the information required (such as tide, wind, soil and wave data ) from the Internet. This reduces the time needed to collect information from several weeks to just a few days.
Who will be interested?
Engineering consultants, dredging companies, scientists.
More information
maarten.vanormondt@deltares.nl
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What is it?
A tool kit.
What can we use this for?
Integrating and comparing maps, files and knowledge not only leads to better habitat maps, but also provides better insight into the relationships between physical and biological parameters. This in turn leads to a new generation of forecasting models.
Who will be interested?
Engineering consultants, energy companies, researchers.
More information
sytze.vanheteren@tno.nl
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What is it?
Guidelines for alternative coastal defence.
What can we use this for?
Using this guideline, it is possible to determine the situations in which the use of geotextile structures (synthetic cases filled with sand) can act as an alternative for conventional coastal defences such as concrete or basalt blocks. The guideline comprises data about the stability and behaviour of these innovative structures. Experiments have been carried out in Deltares’ so-called delta flume.
Who will be interested?
Engineering consultants, building contractors.
More information
paul.vansteeg@deltares.nl
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