Implementation and validation of an operational forecasting system for nearshore hydrodynamics with OPENCoastS

Abstract

Knowledge and anticipation of storm impacts on coastal communities require accurate and timely characterization of nearshore circulation and water levels. To this aim, the OPENCoastS service was built which brings state-of-the-art hydrodynamic modelling softwares within reach of coastal authorities. In the present communication, this online service is used to build a forecasting system for the ocean beaches south of the Mondego river mouth. The system relies mainly on SCHISM models, forced with a global tide model and with pressure and wind fields originating from freely available sources; an implementation of WaveWatchIII in the North Atlantic provides the wave boundary conditions. SCHISM results are validated with historical offshore wave records and with waves and tidal data acquired at Cova Gala beach and along the river estuary. Model’s performance after this validation open the way for the increment of OPENCoastS with morphodynamic capabilities, as it is currently being achieved within MOSAIC.pt project.