Stretched Eulerian coordinate model of coastal sediment transport

A one-dimensional vertical model of sediment and dissolved material transport in a coupled, vertically resolved benthic-pelagic system has been developed. An apparently unique feature of the model is that the governing equations are first formulated in a time-varying Eulerian frame and then solved numerically, which provides a consistent approach for incorporating resuspension/deposition, swelling/consolidation, and biodiffusion processes within a single modelling framework. Numerical experiments were carried out with varying grids to test diffusive properties of the model. A stretched numerical grid that maintains high vertical resolution of the top sediments and constrains numerical diffusion in deep layers is an integral part of the model. The developed model provides a test bed for testing scientific hypothesis pertaining to coastal sediment transport. The model can also be used to support biogeochemical studies in a coupled benthic-pelagic system.