Numerical Simulation of Beach Profile Response to Hurricane Hugo

by Lanny B. Glover, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
Lyndell Z. Hales, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Sediments

Abstract:

Beach and dune erosion caused by Hurricane Hugo at Myrtle and Debidue Beaches, South Carolina was simulated using an explicit finite-difference cross-shore sand transport numerical mode. The numerical results showed good agreement for both stabilized and unstabilized dune sections along the beach. Pre-storm profile surveys were made 4-months before, and post-storm profile surveys were taken one-week after the hurricane. Hindcasts were made for total water level, wave height, and wave period. It was found that adding 1.2 m (4 ft) to the hindcast water level improved the beach profile change simulation. Results from the simulations confirm that the presence of a dune reduces shoreline erosion by allowing the beach to steepen naturally and resist storm waves and increased water levels.

Subject Headings: Beach profiles | Numerical models | Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones | Dunes | Water waves | Water level | Erosion | South Carolina | United States

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