Modelled seabed response to possible climate change scenarios over the next 50 years in the Australian Northwest - Stationary scenario datasets with Sedsim input files and output files

Using data from ocean forecast models, field observations and seabed sampling we ran a numerical sediment transport model to estimate the Australian Shelf seabed evolution under three climate change scenarios. This data collection is for the Stationary climate change scenario in which the present climate continues for next 50 years.

In this study, the interaction of seabed sediment types and hydrodynamic forces in the northwestern region has been investigated using a state-of-the-art numerical model, Sedsim. The simulation area for this collection covers the northwest Australia continental shelf and abyssal basins which include Houtman Abrolhos, the Northwest Shelf, Shark Bay, Ningaloo reef and part of the Timor Sea.

The model uses the known grain-size distribution of the present-day seabed based on a comprehensive analysis of currently available seabed data Information available from this data source includes grainsize, mud content, rock exposure, and estimates of critical seabed shear stress. This sediment layer is incorporated in the latest high-resolution (0.0025°) seabed bathymetry obtained from the Australian National Oceans Office (NOO). The seabed topography and present-day sediment layer are represented by a 566 (columns) by 550 (rows) grid with a spatial resolution of 2.1 km. The environmental forcing factors considered in the present model are sediment-laden river flows and turbidity currents, waves, tides, wind-driven currents, sea level change, submarine slope failure and carbonate sediment production.