Modelling shoreline morphology and sand transport in Golspie with MIKE 21

Abstract

To respond to site-specific coastal flooding concerns, it is important to understand sediment movement in addition to overall shoreline change. This report applies GIS data to MIKE modelling software to observe sand transport in Golspie, Scotland, following predicted flooding scenarios made by the Dynamic Coast project. A combination of openly sourced data was adapted for modelling inputs for the MIKE 21/3 Coupled Model and one year of simulated hydrodynamic processes. The shoreline profiles outside of Golspie’s town and beach showed high levels of erosion while the areas outside of Golspie golf course and Loch Fleet nature reserve remained steady, indicating a need for flood mitigation solutions centred around the town and its infrastructure. Sand erosion along Golspie’s coast in model results suggests that sand nourishment could directly benefit Golspie beach, though high wave velocity could remove added sediment more quickly than at other shoreline segments. Open-source data created a functioning model but verification with fieldwork is recommended for future MIKE use. Additionally, wave action recordings and bathymetry data were integral to MIKE model and module creation, and improvements to the quality of either would lead to more accurate model results.