Marine Hydraulic Process Modelling Using SMC-Brasil on the Semi-Arid Brazilian Coast

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Abstract
Understanding coastal hydraulic processes is essential for sustainable coastal planning and management, especially in semi-arid regions where data scarcity represents a significant challenge. This study sought to apply the Brazilian Coastal Modelling System (SMC-Brasil) to analyse the coastal hydraulic processes present on the Brazilian semi-arid coast in Rio Grande do Norte, seeking to understand its boundary conditions given the scarcity of data and limited monitoring network. The methodological procedures followed five main stages: data collection and processing, running the models, statistical analysis, and interpretation of the results. The simulations identified wave propagation and dissipation patterns influenced by local bathymetric features such as sandy banks and submarine canyons. The modelling indicated waves with an average Hs50% of 1.14 m, with dominant directions from ENE to ESE. Longitudinal flows ranged from 1 to 8 m3/h, with a predominance of east to west at medium and high tides. The modelling indicated spatial gradients of energy and sediment transport compatible with historical records and field observations. The results show that submerged relief irregularities play a central role in regional coastal dynamics, conditioning current flows and deposition. The application of SMC-Brasil has shown potential to fill monitoring gaps in regions with low infrastructure, offering affordable and effective technical support for adaptive coastal planning in the face of climate change impacts.
Funding Information
  • National Council for Scientific and Technological Development—CNPq and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (001)
  • Foundation for the Support and Promotion of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (001)

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