Efficient modelling of sand wave field dynamics for offshore engineering activities. Literature report

Sand waves are large dynamic bed forms, which can be found on sandy seabeds all over the world. Their migration may pose a threat to offshore constructions such as wind farms. Through numercial models our understanding of these complex and dynamic bed forms can be increased. Moreover, this will lead to more accurate predictions of future bed levels and thus sustainable design of offshore constructions. In this literature review our current knowledge about these bed forms is presented. This includes their formation, migration and relation to other bed forms. Aditionally, attention is given to different methods for modelling sand wave systems and influences of the model set-up. Furthermore, ways to increase model efficiency are discussed. Lastly the recovery of sand waves after human interventions is discussed. In this literature review multiple knowledge gaps are identified. Some of these knowledge gaps will be adressed in the Seacode Project for which the review was carried out.