Behaviour-Oriented Models Applied to Shoreface Profile Evolution

A possible approach for the development of simple predictive methods of shoreface profile evolution is described. By application of a detailed process-based, cross-shore morphodynamic model and of some inductive assumptions we build simple descriptions which reproduce possible behaviours of the upper zones of shoreface profile as a function of time. The paper introduces the model concept and describes its application on the base of diffusion-type formulations while distinguishing time scales from seasons, to years and decades. These scales correspond lo bar and berm formation, to the lifetime of profile nourishments, as far as major human induced modifications are concerned, and to the time scales of weather pattern modifications and sea-level rise as far as natural effects are concerned.Hydraulic EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience