SABATIER FRANÇOIS: Long-term coastal changes modelling for a sustainable development of the Rhône delta

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:

The recently developed 3D morphodynamics model (DELFT3D) offers a considerable potential to investigate future scenarii of coastal changes and natural hazards. However, 3D morphodynamics model have never been tested on the coast of the Rhone delta (Mediterranean Sea, France) where beach erosion represents a threat for economical, industrial and urban activities. Amongst 3D morphodynamics models, t he more advanced is DELFT3D. Therefore, long term coastal modelling using DELFT3D is an important challenge in coastal zone management and need to be properly investigated.

The objectives of the project are:

• To identify shortcomings and loopsholes in the model in order to improve it
• To determine forcing thresholds having an influence on coastline long-term evolution(storms, river discharge, sea level)
• To produce simulation maps for future management decisions.
  

THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PROJECT:

The applicant will receive the following training:

• Laming coastal modelling concept
• Running and improvement of the DELFT3D mode;
• Scientific cooperation with hosting researchers.
  

The host group' s researchers are devoted to understand and model the coastal processes because they are investigated in coastal protection against flooding and erosion. Within coastal modelling, the effort of understanding the large-scale coastal behaviour will be enhanced by having applicant Francois Sabatier as a team member of the modelling group. Having a good knowledge of data management, coast al processes in Mediterranean deltaic environment, he will strongly benefit from the acquisition of news skills in long term coastal modelling. In short, the applicant and the host group are extremely well matched.