Coastline changes of the Darss–Zingst Peninsula — A modelling approach

Coastline development is a function of eustasy and isostasy. On a regional scale, the precision of models based on these two components is sufficient for the investigation of coastline scenarios. However, on a local scale sediment dynamic is responsible for the evolution of coastal structures that alter the coastline in detail considerably. The Darss–Zingst Peninsula at the southern coast of the Baltic Sea serves as a example for a case study of such a structure. Longshore sediment transport driven by waves and responsible for the formation of this barrier during the Holocene is simulated for the next 840 years with the sediment transport modelling software package SEDSIM. The main objectives are to test if SEDSIM is a viable tool for the modelling of such structures and if the available data basis is suitable for this task. Basic data used for the modelling are a recent digital elevation model, measured wave time series, a map of sediment distribution, and a modelled eustatic scenario. In result, SEDSIM proved to be a stable and highly configurable program that can handle the requested simulations. Input data have to be improved and must include event data like storm surges.