Morphodynamics Of The Gravel Beach Ploce In Intense Sirocco Conditions

An analysis of the morphodynamics of the artificially filled gravel beach Ploce in Rijeka was conducted. The numerical simulations of wave deformations and gravel sediment transport were initially performed for hypothetical wave events with event directions SSE (157.50), S (1800), SSW (202.50) and SW (225 degrees), a variation of significant wave heights (HS = 1.0 m, 1.5 m and 2.0 m) and corresponding peak wave periods. The parameterization of the numerical model is based on the results of the empirical pattern of the along-the-coast component of gravel sediment transport and the results of a laboratory investigation of the transverse component of gravel sediment transport. This was followed by a numerical simulation of the morphodynamics for one intense sirocco event (March 6, 2020), using the actual wave conditions recorded at the wave station located in immediate proximity of the beach Ploce and the sea level dynamics recorded at the mareographic station Bakar. The verification of the model simulation results for the actual environmental conditions was performed by comparing the positions and quantities of eroded / accumulated material along the shore with the terrain image processing in the form of point clouds. The total volumes of the eroded and accumulated gravel sediment based on image processing are in agreement with the model values.