Research reveals important gaps in knowledge about coastal sand nourishments
Implementation of shore food by spraying a mixture of water sand from the arc of a dredging ship. Image taken along the North Hollandian coast, in the Netherlands. Credit: Rijkswaterstaat, from Critics of earth science (2025). DOI: 10.1016 / J. Earsmirv.2025.105138
For years, sand food has been an important way to protect the Dutch coast against erosion and the increase in sea level. But we know surprisingly little on a type of food, food from the shore. A recent article in the scientific journal published in Critics of earth science Through the University of Twente, the knowledge existing in this area and highlight the need for more in -depth research.
In shore foods, sand, flirted with offshore foundations, is placed just before the coast. This is made to support natural processes and strengthen the coast in a lasting way. Rivage infants are crucial to keeping the coast safe and attractive, in light of sea level elevation and socio-economic developments. However, it seems that many things are still unknown on this way of coastal maintenance.
The article, based on field studies, laboratory experiences and IT models, identifies four important shortcomings on knowledge:
1. Uncertainty on the sediment transport routes: we do not yet know how nourished sand moves on the seabed and along the coast.
2. Design choice: the influence of the location, the size and size of the grain of the sand on the effectiveness of the food has not been sufficiently studied.
3. Long -term cumulative effects: what is the impact of repeated large -scale foods (tens of kilometers, decades)?
4. Limits in calculation models: existing models are insufficient to reliably predict the effect of shore food.
The international group of authors led by the researcher UT (Faculty of and) Jebbe Van Derf pleads for a targeted research program which should lead to more in -depth and practically applicable knowledge. It is only in this way that food can continue to be an effective way to protect the coast in the future and at the same time keep it attractive for people and nature. The source research project is currently working hard to increase knowledge of sand replenishment.
More information:
JJ van der Werf et al, shoreface nourishments: advanced research and future perspectives, Critics of earth science (2025). DOI: 10.1016 / J. Earsmirv.2025.105138
Supplied by the University of Twente
Quote: Research reveals important gaps in knowledge of coastal sand foods (2025, June 30) recovered on July 1, 2025 from https://phys.org/News/2025-06-reveals-mportant-gaps-knowledge-coastal.html
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