Fluvial and Coastal Hydraulics and Morphodynamics

Rivers and coastal environments are fascinating systems generated by the interaction between hydrodynamics and the erodible surface determining a variety of sedimentary patterns observed on Earth. We employ a range of tools spanning from analytical techniques to in-house developed modelling software to understand the behaviour of rivers, deltas, estuaries and beaches and their evolution both on the vertical (erosion and deposition) and lateral (planform changes) directions. The image below illustrates the results of a coupled atmospheric/coastal/deepwater 3D numerical model off the coast of Mindoro Island illustrating the triggering of a turbidity current by Super Typhoon Melor. 

 The rotating winds during the passage of the typhoon caused the wave induced long-shore currents to reverse and initiate a mega rip current directed offshore.  The  model shows the current reached near-bed velocities of 5 m/s, sufficient to erode the seabed underneath a gas pipeline (red) and displace it by as much as 15 m. The numerical models quantify the specific weather conditions required for triggering turbidity currents in this area, enabling appropriate risk mitigation measures for the offshore infrastructure. Details of the study can be found in Porcile et al. (2020) https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-020-0002-1