SEDIMENT TRANSPORT PATHWAYS IN THE EASTERN ENGLISH-CHANNEL

Sand transport pathways are predicted, by combining outputs from an hy drodynamic numerical model with empirical sediment transport formulae. Tidal simulations, combined with various wind conditions, are compare d with patterns presented in the literature. Results show that tides d etermine the long-term transport pattern in the area; this consists ma inly of an ebb-dominated (North Sea towards Channel) mid-Strait region and flood-dominated pathways along the coastlines, which narrow towar ds the (Dover) Strait. Localised transport paths are identified; these are believed to be responsible partially for the presence of large sa ndbanks. Superimposed SW and NE wind activity overwhelms the tidally-i nduced pattern; this occurs infrequently and long-term pattern is not affected. The superimposed effect of surface waves is investigated (bu t not presented in detailed here); it is shown to be of limited import ance.