MODELING STORM EFFECTS ON SAND WAVE DYNAMICS

My research expertise is on modeling sand wave dynamics. Tidal sand waves are marine bed forms that are formed by the interaction of tidal currents with the sandy seabed, such as in the North Sea. Their dynamics – causing a constantly changing seabed – are of interest for the safety of various offshore applications and activities. For instance to guarantee safe navigation, positioning and maintaining pipelines and communication and power cables, placement of wind farms, and the burial and exposure of objects on the sea floor such as ammunition and sea mines.

During my PhD research I investigated the effect of wind waves and wind-driven flow on sand wave dynamics. These effects were investigated on both small-amplitude as well as finite-amplitude sand wave dynamics. Particularly wind waves reduce the growth rate (in the small-amplitude regime) and reduce the height of fully grown sand waves. Wind-driven currents cause sand waves to migrate. My PhD research was finalized with the Thesis entitled “Modeling storm effects on sand wave dynamics”, which contains three peer-reviewed journal articles. My PhD was part of the SMARTSEA project, which is partly funded by NWO-TTW.

At present I am a PostDoc researcher within the SMARTSEA project. I continue doing research on sand wave dynamics. Now more towards human interventions, investigating the response of sand waves to dredging activities. Next to research I am teaching the MSc course Long Waves and Tidal (Morpho)Dynamics, supervising MSc-students and a PhD candidate.