Model Sensitivity to Sediment Parameters and Bed Composition in Delft3D: Model Output

The sensitivity to sediment parameterization and initial bed configuration on sediment transport processes and morphological evolution are assessed through process-based numerical modeling. Six sensitivity cases using a previously validated model for Dauphin Island, (Alabama) were modeled using Delft3D (developed by Deltares) to understand impacts on bed level morphology, barrier island evolution, and sediment fluxes. Delft3D model output of suspended and bedload sediment fluxes, and final bed levels data are included in this dataset. Model output from six cases (comprised of three sensitivity configurations and two simulation types (deterministic Delft3D, and probabilistic Delft3D mormerge) as forced by 9 climatological wave forcing conditions are included in this data release. All simulations were initialized using the same initial digital elevation model (DEM) with nearshore and island topopbathy dated 2015 (Passeri and others, 2018). Climatological forcing bins were built from a 1979-2020 reanalysis wave record as applied in Jenkins and others, 2020. For further information regarding model input generation, set up, and analysis, refer to Jenkins and others (2020) and Passeri and others (2018).

Jenkins, R.L., III, Long, J.W., Dalyander, P.S., Thompson, D.M., and Mickey, R.C., 2020, Development of a process-based littoral sediment transport model for Dauphin Island, Alabama: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2020–1011, 43 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201011.

Passeri, D.L., Long, J.W., Jenkins, R.L., and Thompson, D.M., 2018, Effects of proposed navigation channel improvements on sediment transport in Mobile Harbor, Alabama: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2018–1123, 22 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181123.