Numerical Modeling of Artificial Nourishments on the Beach Profile: Effects on Reducing Dune Overtopping

Coelho, C., Ferreira, A.M. and Lima, M., 2024. Numerical modeling of artificial nourishments on the beach profile: Effects on reducing dune overtopping. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 599-603. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Reports of overtopping and flooding due to the shoreline retreat are becoming more frequent. Artificial sediment nourishments are used to mitigate erosion and overtopping problems, as they protect ecosystems and infrastructures and can be relevant for tourism, by expanding the beach areas for recreational use. However, the performance of these interventions depends on the volumes of sand considered and the deposition location on the cross-shore profile, among other factors. Through the application of the CS-Model, the performance of several artificial sand nourishment scenarios was evaluated, in order to reduce the frequency of coastal overtopping. The results indicate that raising the dune combined with reinforcement of the landward dune face is the most effective solution. The work provides important information for coastal management to support decision-making in artificial nourishment interventions.