Multiscale bedform interactions in a lowland river

<p>Multiscale bedforms exist in diverse environments. Globally, trains of small secondary bedforms have been observed in fluvial systems, where they are superimposed on larger fluvial dunes. Yet, we understand little about the morphodynamics of these superimposed bedforms and their interaction with larger bedform scales. It is unclear what their impact is on the overall system functioning, for example in terms of sediment transport and (near-bed) flow dynamics.</p><p>Bed elevation data with a high spatiotemporal resolution, obtained during a dedicated field campaign in the river Waal, a main distributary of the river Rhine, have shed light on the morphodynamics of fluvial dunes and superimposed bedforms. Results from the study indicate that superimposed bedforms persist over low-angled lee sides, whereas they disintegrate over lee side angles steeper than . The transport of bed sediment associated with secondary bedform migration is significant. The small bedforms migrate with a celerity that is an order of magnitude larger, from which a transport rate can be inferred that equals and in some sections even exceeds the transport associated with primary river dunes. Where superimposed bedforms disintegrate at or downstream of the dune lee slope, superimposed bedforms fully contribute to the migration of the primary dune. Where they persist over the dune lee side however, the sediment transport inferred from superimposed bedforms over the dune crest might partly contribute to primary dune migration. A significant portion, however, will also be transported over the dune lee side and trough and form an additional transport component. Both the persistence of the superimposed bedforms on the primary dune lee and their size and shape, appear to depend on the primary dune morphology. This is likely related to the flow structure—i.e. the presence of flow separation and the properties of the downstream, turbulent wake—that depends on the primary lee slope angle and height.</p><p>In our current work, we build upon this study, and  analyse the morphodynamics of these two bedform scales across a much larger spatial and temporal scale. Small-scale superimposed bedforms appear to be ubiquitous in the river Waal and can be observed across a range of discharge conditions. Our analysis quantifies and predicts when secondary bedform occur and persist over primary lee sides. We further aim to understand how secondary bedform morphology depends on primary dune characteristics as well as environmental conditions such as (changes in) discharge, and the bed sediment properties. In relation to that, we question to what extent superimposed bedforms in turn affect the primary dune morphology, their migration celerity and associated bedload transport.</p><p> </p>

Beach-dune modelling in support of Building with Nature for an integrated spatial design of urbanized sandy shores

The long-term physical existence of sandy shores critically depends on a balanced sediment budget. From the principles of Building with Nature it follows that a sustainable protection of sandy shores should employ some form of shore nourishment. In the spatial design process of urbanized sandy shores, where multiple functions must be integrated, the knowledge and the prediction of sediment dynamics and beach-dune morphology thus play an essential role. This expertise typically resides with coastal scientists who have condensed their knowledge in various types of morphological models that serve different purposes and rely on different assumptions, thus have their specific strengths and limitations. This paper identifies morphological information needs for the integrated spatial design of urbanized sandy shores using BwN principles, outlines capabilities of different types of morphological models to support this and identifies current gaps between the two. A clear mismatch arises from the absence of buildings and accompanying human activities in current numerical models simulating morphological developments in beach-dune environments.

THE EFFECT OF BUILDING GEOMETRY ON AEOLIAN DEPOSITION AND EROSION PATTERNS: A FIELD EXPERIMENT

Buildings at the beach-dune interface, such as restaurants and (holiday) houses, affect wind-driven sand transport in their surroundings. Hereby they shape the development of the beach-dune system. This can have implications for the flood protection offered by dunes. Therefore, this research aims to understand the effect of buildings at the beach-dune interface on beach-dune morphology. In this contribution we present the results of a field experiment which focused on the effect of building size and geometry on the size and location of the deposition patterns directly around buildings.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/hlcMP7Ev1m0