Numerical investigation of wave fields and currents in a coastal engineering case study

In this paper, we present a Boussinesq type model which is able to simulate wave fields and nearshore currents in coastal regions characterized by morphologically complex coastal lines and irregular seabed and by the presence of coastal structures. The proposed model solves the integral contravariant form of the fully nonlinear Boussinesq equations, from deep water up to just seaward of the surf zones, and the non-linear shallow water equations, in the surf zone, on curvilinear boundary conforming grids. By the proposed model, a detailed representation is carried out of the hydrodynamic phenomena which contribute to generate the silting process at the entrance of the Cetraro harbour (Italy). Furthermore, the effects produced by the placement of a groin updrift of the head of the main jetty on coastal hydrodynamics and sediment transport are evaluated.