Difference between revisions of "Template:This weeks featured article"

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==How to apply models==
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== Classification of Coastlines ==
  
[[Image:how to apply models schematic_5.jpg|thumb|right|230px]]
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[[Image:classification coast.jpg|thumb|right|A classification of coastlines and a presentation of morphological features.]]
  
 
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The general principles have been presented for the [[Classification of Coastal Profiles| classification of coastal profiles]]. However, the type of coastal profile is not sufficient to characterise the [[coastal morphology]] or to evaluate the stability of the [[coastline]]s, as these conditions also depend on the [[longshore transport|longshore processes]]. The interaction between the longshore processes and the given coastal geology, sediment supply, etc., results in the formation of different types of coastlines and coastal features. Therefore, in order to be able to make an overall evaluation of a certain site in relation to [[shoreline management]] activities, it is also relevant to study the coastline features. This is done by dividing the coastlines into nearly straight sections and into special coastal features, such as [[deltas]], [[barrier islands]], [[sand spits]], etc. The nearly straight coastlines are subdivided into categories dependent on the [[Angle of Incidence|angle of incidence]] of the prevailing [[waves]] and dependent on wave exposure. The geomorphological processes associated with these physical strutures are also fundamental to the way in which the more dynamic habitats and ecosystems of [[Terrestrial coastal habitats and ecosystems|coastal terrestrial]] areas and [[Coastal habitats and ecosystems in transitional waters|transitional waters]]  develop.
Numerical models have reached a level of accuracy and detail over the past 25 years that most of the dominant processes in the coastal environment can be quantified. However, the numerical models are tools only for the coastal engineers and planners. This article on ''How to apply models'' will discuss the optimal use of the modelling tools at various stages of a coastal development project. Further, examples are given of projects where proper analysis and modelling have formed the basis for successful coastal projects.  
 
 
 
The description in this article will concentrate on development of high quality and safe artificial beaches, as these are often one of the most important assets of coastal development schemes. It is recommended that the planning of a coastal development scheme includes the following coastal engineering disciplines:
 
*Baseline studies
 
*Development of alternative schemes
 
*Detailed design and environmental optimization
 

Revision as of 11:51, 17 March 2008

Classification of Coastlines

A classification of coastlines and a presentation of morphological features.

The general principles have been presented for the classification of coastal profiles. However, the type of coastal profile is not sufficient to characterise the coastal morphology or to evaluate the stability of the coastlines, as these conditions also depend on the longshore processes. The interaction between the longshore processes and the given coastal geology, sediment supply, etc., results in the formation of different types of coastlines and coastal features. Therefore, in order to be able to make an overall evaluation of a certain site in relation to shoreline management activities, it is also relevant to study the coastline features. This is done by dividing the coastlines into nearly straight sections and into special coastal features, such as deltas, barrier islands, sand spits, etc. The nearly straight coastlines are subdivided into categories dependent on the angle of incidence of the prevailing waves and dependent on wave exposure. The geomorphological processes associated with these physical strutures are also fundamental to the way in which the more dynamic habitats and ecosystems of coastal terrestrial areas and transitional waters develop.