The USACE Particle Tracking Model (PTM) is a sediment transport model using a Langrangian particle tracking approach specifically designed for coastal and dredging projects. A key input for this model is hydrodynamic forcings, which can be input as either 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional datasets. PTM uses different particles advection schemes when applying 2D or fully 3D hydrodynamic forcing datasets. A 3D approach is critical to applications where interaction with native bed is significant, or vertical particle movement and settling are concerned. In this presentation, the impact of dimensionality of hydrodynamic input was investigated using three offshore dredging construction applications located in in Long Island Sound and the outer continental shelf (OCS) of the Atlantic Ocean.
These dredging example cases were hypothetical but represent common dredging techniques associated with constructions of offshore energy facilities. The time series of 2D and 3D hydrodynamic currents were simulated using ADCIRC and Delft3D FM for which the domain encompassed the entire Long Island Sound and a subset of the OCS off the New England coast. The selection of the dredging locations was based on hydrodynamic forcing characteristics, water depth, and bathymetry in order to investigate the sensitivity of dimensionality of hydrodynamic input on PTM model prediction. We compared modeling results in terms of the extent of the suspended sediments plume as well as the maximum depth of deposited sediment created by the dredging activities.
.jpg "Kathryn Teske (she/her/hers) photo")