Abstract:
Early warning systems are an important tool for local authorities to detect
emergency situations in advance and initiate the necessary safety measure. The To-SEAlert
project has the aim of increasing the efficiency, robustness and reliability of the HIDRALERTA
coastal hazards early warning system. This study shows a first intent to implement the SWASH
numerical model to simulate wave overtopping for the Ericeira prototype. SWASH was
implemented for one breakwater profile where overtopping discharge and associated risk levels
are estimated. It was compared to the current approach used in HIDRALERTA, the neuronal
network NN_OVERTOPPING2. Finally, both approaches were compared with previously
analysed video images of the site. The results showed that SWASH generally overestimates
overtopping and is not in good agreement with the NN_OVERTOPPING2 or the video images.
A possible reason might be the wave direction, which cannot be included in one-dimensional
simulations in SWASH.
