Sediment transport pathways in the eastern english-channel

Sand transport pathways are predicted, by combining outputs from an hydrodynamic numerical model with empirical sediment transport formulae. Tidal simulations, combined with various wind conditions, are compared with patterns presented in the literature. Results show that tides determine the long-term transport pattern in the area; this consists mainly of an ebb-dominated (North Sea towards Channel) mid-Strait region and flood-dominated pathways along the coastlines, which narrow towards the (Dover) Strait. Localised transport paths are identified; these are believed to be responsible partially for the presence of large sandbanks. Superimposed SW and NE wind activity overwhelms the tidally-induced pattern; this occurs infrequently and long-term pattern is not affected. The superimposed effect of surface waves is investigated (but not presented in detailed here); it is shown to be of limited importance.

Keyword(s)

ENGLISH CHANNEL, DOVER STRAIT, SEDIMENT DYNAMICS, MODELING, SANDBANKS

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Grochowski NTL, Collins MB, Boxall SR, Salomon JC, Breton M, Lafite R (1993). Sediment transport pathways in the eastern english-channel. Oceanologica Acta. 16 (5-6). 531-537. https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00099/21075/

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