Daniel Gullì

RUSICA initial implementations: Simulation results of sandy shore evolution in Porto Cesareo, Italy

Beach recession is spreading in Mediterranean by effects of climatic change. RUSICA is a Cellular Automata model, that is in developing phase for simulating such a complex phenomenon, considering its main mechanisms: loose particles (sand, gravel, silt, clay, etc.) mobilization, suspension, deposit and transport, triggered by waves and currents. A simplified version of the model was implemented and applied to data, related to the sandy shore of Torre Lapillo (Porto Cesareo, Italy), in August 2010, where shore evolution was monitored, even if data quality and quantity aren’t ideal in order to feed RUSICA. Simulations of different scenarios of stormy sea in that area evidenced the adequate performance of the model in capturing the main emergent features of the phenomenon in despite of the simplified approach.

A CA model for beach morphodynamics

CAs coastal dynamics is a very complex system, computer simulation is a valid approach to plan real action. During SIGIEC Project a new Macroscopic Cellular Automata was designed i.e. RUSICA for morphodynamics studies of the beaches. MCA methodology, used for investigating natural macroscopic systems, is an alternative approach to PDE. Through local interactions of their constituent parts MCA operating on different specification levels to be compared to experimental data. Simulation allowed to study the dynamics and modified orography with artificial solutions for erosion contrast as at Porto Cesareo (Apulia Italy). Results of simulations of different scenarios of stormy sea in that area here are given together with evidence of effect of artificial barrier built in order to contrast the coastal erosion progress.