Modelling 3D hydrodynamics governing island-associated sandbanks in a proposed tidal stream energy site

A 3D numerical modelling study to investigate the existing hydrodynamic regime of the Pentland Firth Inner Sound Channel, Scotland, UK is presented. Hydrodynamics that govern some sensitive sedimentary deposits in the Inner Sound Channel are discussed. A 3D hydrodynamic model Delft3D is set up for Pentland Firth, located between Orkney Islands and mainland Scotland and a full sensitivity analysis of the numerical model is carried out. The current model set up sufficiently captures the existing hydrodynamics during a full spring-neap tidal cycle inside Pentland Firth. Using model results, the 3D structure of the dynamics of the tidal flows in the Inner Sound Channel is investigated. The temporal variability of tidal flows, the residual tidal flows in the channel and local flow interactions with the Island of Stroma are described. It is proved that the tidally dominant flows drive the sediment transport gradient model to explain the principle maintenance mechanisms of two island-associated sandbanks present in the Inner Sound. The present study provides detailed information on the physics of the tidal regime in the Inner Sound and explains the presence of sandbanks in an area of high tidal flows. Due to extremely high tidal flows, Inner Sound is considered as one of the most favourable sites for tidal energy extraction in the UK. The findings of this study will be very useful in assessing the significance of impacts of future tidal energy extraction on natural hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics of the area.     

Strategic priorities for assessing ecological impacts of marine renewable energy devices in the Pentland Firth (Scotland,UK)

The Pentland Firth, located between the north coast of mainland Scotland (UK) and the Orkney Islands, is recognised as an excellent location for the utilisation of tidal stream technology. Potential ecological impacts associated with tidal stream technology may ultimately depend on device design, array size and deployment location. Available ecological data for the Pentland Firth is summarised and strategic priorities for assessing ecological impacts are provided. Baseline data on marine species and habitats in the Pentland Firth is severely lacking and consequently the integrity of any environmental impact assessment could be compromised by this lack of data.     

均衡态:动力-沉积-地貌系统的跨尺度联系

潮汐汊道P-A关系、岸线轮廓、浅海沙波剖面轮廓等3个海洋动力地貌学案例,属于能够同时满足"沿程能耗率处处相等,输沙率沿程递变处处相等,沉积速率处处相等"规律的动力-沉积-地貌系统均衡态。这种在流体力学、沉积动力学和动力地貌学时空尺度跨度很大的交集中涌现的均衡态,为引导出动力-沉积-地貌系统跨尺度联系,实现动力-沉积-地貌系统的跨尺度模拟,留下宝贵的理论研究与应用检验窗口。     

Morphodynamics of structurally controlled headland-bay beaches in southeastern Brazil: A review

This paper presents a comprehensive review on the interaction between hydrodynamic processes, beach morphology and sedimentology at large scale coastal behaviour along the coastline of Santa Catarina, between Laguna and São Francisco Island, a microtidal east coast swell environment with headland and bay geomorphologies. The parabolic bay shape equation has proven to be a convenient and practical tool for studying the stability of the headland-bay beaches, tombolos, and salients in Santa Catarina. The beaches exhibit different patterns of sediment removal as a function of the degree of beach curvature. In highly curved beaches, there is a well-developed shadow zone and a range of morphodynamic conditions, from a sheltered low-energy beach adjacent to the downdrift headland to a high-energy exposed beach on the straight end of the headland-bay beach. The less curved beaches instead, tend to show more uniform behaviour since they are directly exposed to incident waves. There is no obvious relationship between average wave height and mean grain size, showing the importance of sediment source to characterize the sedimentary distribution patterns in the study area. The analysis of beaches showed that beach morphodynamics and sequence profiles for a bay–headland coast in a microtidal east coast environment is a function of geological inheritance (e.g., distance between headlands and orientation, nearshore and inner shelf morphology, coastal plain morphology, and sediment source), and hydrodynamic factors (wave conditions, oceanic wave exposure and relative tidal range).     

Intercomparison of coastal area morphodynamic models

Five different coastal area morphodynamic models have been set up to run on the same offshore breakwater layout and an intercomparison carried out on the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic output produced by each scheme. In addition, the predicted morphodynamics was checked against available laboratory and field data.It is concluded that the models are capable of producing realistic estimates for the dominant morphodynamic features associated with offshore breakwaters. Coupling of the wave, current and sediment transport components of each scheme is shown to yield bathymetry which attains a state of equilibrium, unlike models which are based on the initial transport field only.     

Morphodynamic modelling of open-sea tidal channels eroded into a sandy seabed, with reference to the channel systems on the China coast

In this contribution, the morphodynamics of open-sea tidal channels eroded into sandy seabed in regions of flow constriction is simulated by a one-dimensional model using the Bagnold formula for bedload transport rate, and accounting for the effect of bed slope. The results show that equilibrium conditions for such channels can be reached over a period of 10²–10³ years. Sediment eroded from the channel floor is transported in the direction of the dominant current, and deposited beyond the regions of flow constriction where the current looses competence due to spreading. In this way, the material remobilized from older strata in the channels is deposited in younger sand banks near the channel heads. Where several successive channels are incised along the current axis, they interact in their morphological evolution. The morphodynamic equilibrium of a tidal channel is reached once the combined interacting sedimentological and hydrodynamic factors, such as sediment particle diameter, tidal current velocity and flood/ebb dominance, are balanced. The model output shows that the equilibrium shape of the tidal channels appears to be related mainly to flow field characteristics and, to a lesser extent, to particle size. A positive correlation exists between the depth of the channels and their response times. The equilibrium water depths of the channels are more sensitive to current speed than to either particle size or the time–velocity asymmetry of the flow field. The response times for overall morphological equilibrium are sensitive to all of the above-mentioned parameters. In particular, sediment characteristics associated with critical current velocities have far-reaching effects on the morphodynamic behaviour of tidal channels.     

青草沙水库工程对附近水域河床冲淤的影响

青草沙水库是长江河口的一个重大工程,显著改变了北港上段的河势。河势的变化会引起流场和泥沙质量浓度的变化,进而影响河床的冲淤。本文应用三维水动力和泥沙数值模式,计算和分析了青草沙水库工程对附近水域流场、泥沙质量浓度和冲淤的影响。青草沙水库工程建设后,北港河道束窄,导致水库北侧河道主槽流速和泥沙质量浓度增加。水库工程使得进入北港的径流量和纳潮量减少,导致青草沙水库以东、北港下段和拦门沙区域流速和泥沙质量浓度下降。应用半理论半经验河床冲淤公式和模式计算的工程前后流速、泥沙质量浓度和水位数据,给出了由水库工程造成的河床冲淤变化分布。在水库以北北港水域发生普遍冲刷,冲刷强度最大可达2~3 m,冲淤分布和量值与工程前后实测水深变化吻合良好。数值模式较好地模拟了青草沙水库工程对附近水域冲淤分布的影响和变化量值。     

Exploring the implications of tidal farms deployment for wetland-birds habitats in a highly protected estuary

Next generation turbines can be installed to exploit tidal energy resource in estuaries. However, the ecological implications of such deployments remain unknown. Accordingly, this study is focused on the impact of tidal farms on intertidal areas and associated waterbird habitats in estuaries. A numerical model simulates the hydrodynamic conditions of the Solway Firth, comprising one of the most extensive intertidal zones in the UK. The effects of tidal farms with different turbine densities have been evaluated in terms of changes to the areas of habitat for wetland bird species of conservation importance. The results suggest that any habitat loss may be minor and that in some cases there may be an increase (also small) in the area of important habitat. The percentage change in intertidal areas is also considerably lower than that expected to result from tidal barrages of similar capacities, implying the potential for tidal farms to present an alternative solution for exploiting tidal energy in highly protected areas. The changes in the extent of intertidal habitat are not proportional to the energy dissipated by the tidal farm. Therefore a range of tidal farm designs should be evaluated in order to optimise installed capacity while minimising habitat loss. However, the site-dependency of the impacts and the complex responses to change of estuarine ecosystems reinforce the requirement for detailed studies to be undertaken for each specific location and array configuration. The methodology presented here is appropriate for such assessments as it can be applied to different locations and turbine types.     

江苏岸外沙脊群的地貌形态及动力格局

长江与黄河的交互作用为江苏岸外沙洲提供了丰富的泥沙来源,而两大潮波的辐聚以及辐合带的迁移则是将整个岸外沙脊群塑造成辐射形态的动力因素。以蒋家沙为界,江苏岸外沙洲的辐射形具有南北不对称的特点。两河供沙条件的差异是形成南北两翼沙洲规模大小的原因,发育历史或调整时间的长短则是决定南北两翼沙洲相对稳定程度的原因。     

闽江河口沉积结构与沉积作用

结合已有的闽江河口航道整治研究成果，在该河口采集了130多个表层沉积物样品。根据对沉积结构、河口沙坝类型和水动力条件的分析，探讨了闽江河口沉积物的分布规律和沉积作用机制。研究结果表明，1）闽江河口可划分为砂质、混合和泥质3个沉积区，它们分别代表三角洲前缘、前缘斜坡和前三角洲沉积环境；2）闽江河口各汊道径、潮流强度对比不同，河口沉积过程有显著差异。径流在川石水道的发育中居主导作用，潮流是塑造梅花水道的主要因素；3）河口沙坝类型受制于输出水流的扩散形式，闽江河口有多种类型的河口沙坝，川石水道的河口沙坝为水下突堤型，乌猪水道北侧发育了水下突堤型沙坝，熨斗水道为拦门沙型河口沙坝，梅花水道则是潮流脊型的河口沙坝。     

波浪对潮流能水轮机性能测试影响的实验研究

随着潮流能开发利用技术日趋成熟,对其测试工作也提出了更高的要求。然而,在潮流能装置性能测试中,波流相互作用的影响往往被忽略,导致测试结果不准确。为了研究波流相互作用对测试的影响方式与程度,采用物理模型试验的方法,对垂直轴潮流能发电装置模型进行了试验研究。通过分析波流作用下装置的扭矩、转速及发电功率,发现波流与发电装置耦合作用明显,相比不存在波浪影响的情况下,叶轮的转动、主轴的扭矩都变得不规则,启动流速变小,同时,扭矩、转速及发电功率的瞬时值显著增大。测试结果表明,波流相互作用对装置性能测试影响显著,平均影响程度约10%,研究结果为今后潮流能发电装置性能测试标准的制定和完善提供了参考和依据。     

Numerical study of power production from tidal energy in the Khuran Channel and its feedback on background hydrodynamics

This study focuses on the development of a farm of tidal turbines in the Khuran Channel. The important factors include the location of turbines and their hydrodynamic effects on the environment. A three-dimensional circulation model for the Persian Gulf is employed for the comprehensive evaluation of the tidal energy potential throughout the study area. The model is validated by using in situ observations of water level and current data.The appropriate potential points for extracting the tidal e...     

厦门湾海域表层沉积物分布特征及其动力响应

沉积物分布对河口海岸地区的地貌演变和岸线变化非常重要。本文收集了2008年9月厦门湾海域的230个表层沉积物样品的数据,研究其表层沉积物空间分布和运输特征。厦门湾海域表沉积物的粒度分布特征非常明显。同时在应用GSTA模型对沉积物进行输运趋势分析的基础上探讨该区域泥沙运移趋势。结果表明,该海域有八种沉积物类型,粘土质粉砂占有比例最高,为65.22%;而且在不同的分区,由于不同的沉积物源和水动力条件,粒度参数特征也有所不同。径流、潮汐和波浪是海床表层沉积物、滩涂变化的主要控制动力,泥沙运动趋势与水动力条件密切相关。     

Distribution patterns of interstitial polychaetes in sandy beaches of southern Brazil

This study describes the distribution patterns of interstitial polychaetes along morphodynamic gradients on six exposed sandy beaches in Santa Catarina and Paraná (South Brazil). Three random transects were sampled at two points on each beach, one at the swash and another at the surf zone, in winter and summer conditions. Six sediment replicates were collected at each sampling point using a corer of 4.6 cm internal diameter that removed 10 cm into the sediment. Abundance and composition of interstitial polychaete were correlated to wave height, slope, grain size, CaCO₃, chlorophyll a , omega indexes, temperature and relative tide range using a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). A factorial ANOVA showed that taxa richness, mean density and Shannon's diversity were significantly higher at the reflective beaches, but average values differ significantly between transects and these differences change according to the beach zones on both sampling dates. PERMANOVA showed that polychaete associations differ among transects according to the beach zones. The composition of interstitial polychaete associations was significantly correlated to beach morphodynamics and features (P < 0.01). Polychaete associations of reflective beaches were more diverse than in other morphodynamic states. Intermediate beaches may also sustain diverse associations due to temporal variability of the morphodynamic patterns. Beaches presenting extreme dissipative morphodynamics and compacted sediments appear to be unfavourable for the occurrence of interstitial polychaetes.     

考虑发电机尾流作用的潮流能理论可开发量的评估

In this study, we construct one 2–dimensional tidal simulation, using an unstructured Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model(FVCOM). In the 2–D model, we simulated the tidal turbines through adding additional bottom drag in the element where the tidal turbines reside. The additional bottom drag was calculated from the relationship of the bottom friction dissipation and the rated rotor efficiency of the tidal energy turbine. This study analyzed the effect of the tidal energy turbine to the hydrodynamic environment, and calculated the amount of the extractable tidal energy resource at the Guishan Hangmen Channel, considering the rotor wake effect.     

Morphodynamics of ebb-tidal deltas: a model approach

The results of 2DH numerical models of the Frisian Inlet (located in the Dutch Wadden Sea) are discussed to gain further knowledge about the physical mechanisms causing the presence of both ebb-tidal deltas and of channels and shoals in tide-dominated inlet systems. A hydrodynamic model, extended with sediment transport formulations, was used to verify earlier conceptual models that deal with ebb-tidal delta characteristics. The model does not confirm their hypothesis concerning the observed spatial asymmetry of ebb-tidal deltas and suggests that long-term morphological simulations are needed to understand this aspect. Furthermore, the model indicates that the initial formation of the ebb-tidal delta is mainly due to convergence of the tidally averaged sediment flux related to residual currents, whilst the net sediment transport in the basin is mainly caused by tidal asymmetry. A second model (accounting for feedbacks between tidal motion and the erodible bottom) was used to simulate the long-term bathymetric evolution of the Frisian Inlet under fair weather conditions. This model reproduces the gross characteristics of the observed morphology: the presence of a double-inlet system with two distinct ebb-tidal deltas having different sizes and the presence of channels and shoals. The role of the ‘Engelsmanplaat’, a consolidated shoal in the middle of the Frisian Inlet, was not found to be crucial for the morphodynamic stability of this inlet system.     

基于LiDAR观测的长江河口南汇南滩近期动力地貌研究

南汇潮滩是长江河口重要的后备国土资源,其地貌的动态变化过程可敏锐反映河海相互作用的强弱。本文利用地面LiDAR获取了南汇南滩2016年4月—2017年5月逐月大潮低潮期间滩面地貌高分辨率点云数据,根据平均小潮高、低潮位将潮滩划分为上、中和下部,由此结合水文泥沙资料分析区域潮滩动力地貌演变过程。结果表明:(1)潮滩在观测期间整体向海淤涨,其一年间垂向淤积值为10 cm,其中潮滩中部面积增大,而潮滩上部和下部的面积均减小;(2)滩面变化具有明显的夏秋季弱侵蚀调整、冬春季强淤积推进的季节性特征,潮滩地貌侵蚀-淤积则呈现明显的空间分异。在潮滩上部中侧-中部西侧形成贯通的冲刷带(10—80cm),上部沿堤西侧植被区出现强淤积带(20—85cm),整个滩面中东部潮滩出现大面积的弱淤积(5—30cm);(3)南汇南滩并未因长江入海泥沙的剧烈减少而遭受侵蚀,这可能受控于局地基本未变的动力环境和悬浮泥沙浓度,冲刷-淤积的纵向分带性则与区域海堤导致的潮流流向发生改变有关。     

Development and validation of a finite element morphological model for shallow water basins

Recognising the importance of understanding sediment dynamics to evaluate the status of a coastal lagoon environment, this work has been focused on the investigation of the hydrodynamic and sediment transport processes occurring in such basins. In order to describe the lagoon system, a modelling approach combining hydrodynamics, waves and sediment dynamics has been developed. The framework of the numerical model consists of a finite element hydrodynamic model, a third generation finite element spectral wave model and a sediment transport and morphodynamic model for both cohesive and non-cohesive sediments. The model adopts the finite element technique for spatial integration, which has the advantage to describe more accurately complicated bathymetry and irregular boundaries for shallow water areas. The developed model has been applied to test cases and to a very shallow tidal lagoon, the Venice Lagoon, Italy. Numerical results show good agreement with water level, waves and turbidity measurements collected in several monitoring stations inside the Lagoon of Venice. Such a model represents an indispensable tool in analysing coastal problems and assessing morphological impacts of human interference.     

The economic impacts of marine energy developments: A case study from Scotland

Delivering the ambitious renewable energy targets set by the Scottish Government will require significant expenditures. Plans have been set out to develop 1.6 GW of marine (wave and tidal) energy capacity between 2010 and 2020 in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters area (off the north coast of Scotland) with construction costs estimated at £6 billion. This paper uses multi-sectoral economic models to explore the impact that these (temporary) expenditures could have on the Scottish economy. It is shown that the standard Input–Output (IO) modelling approach significantly overstates the employment and value added impacts compared to Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) methods—in which short-run scarcity of factors of production are explicitly modelled. CGE results (under myopic and forward-looking model specifications) produce smaller impacts during the timespan of expenditures but, unlike IO methods, identify non-trivial “legacy effects” after the expenditures cease.