Modelling the seasonal dynamics of SPM with a simple algorithm for the buffering of fines in a sandy seabed

This paper discusses the application of a simple algorithm for the buffering of fines in a sandy seabed. A second layer is introduced in which fines may be stored during calm weather and from which fines may be resuspended during storms. The algorithm is applied first in a one-dimensional vertical (1DV) point model at a location in the North Sea, Noordwijk 10,10 km offshore. It is able to reproduce the observed temporal variability of suspended particulate matter satisfactorily. Apart from the second layer, also the applied first order erosion rate is an important element of the algorithm. This allows for an equilibrium sediment mass per unit area for any combination of bed shear stress climate and sediment supply. The classical Partheniades-Krone formulation with zero-order erosion (i.e. an erosion rate that is independent from the sediment mass per unit area) does not have such equilibrium. As a next step, the algorithm is incorporated into a 3D model for suspended particulate matter (SPM) transport in the Dutch coastal zone. It is demonstrated that the model is able to reproduce the observed spatial and temporal variability reasonably well. An essential feature of the 3D mud model is that it is sufficiently fast to compute equilibrium bed composition. This implies that the results are completely independent from the applied (uniform) initial conditions. Finally, the mud model is applied to assess the impact of a large-scale release of fines in the Dutch coastal zone. The computed impact turns out to be very sensitive to the assumed buffer capacity of the seabed. However, information on transient system response (such as the dissipation of a sediment pulse in the system) from which the buffer capacity may be estimated is most often lacking. For the time being, estimates on the residence time of fines in the seabed and its mixing depth are derived from the literature. Additional field and laboratory test on the exchange mechanisms of fines between the water column and a sandy seabed are recommended. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.