Numerical Modeling Approach for Shoreline Changes and Coastal Sediment Transport: A Literature Review

Abstract

Shoreline change and coastal sediment transport are complex processes controlled by interactions among waves, currents, tides, sediment characteristics, and coastal morphology. Numerical modeling has therefore become an important approach for understanding and predicting coastal morphological changes. This literature review examines numerical modeling approaches commonly applied to shoreline change and coastal sediment transport, with emphasis on model applications, input requirements, calibration and validation, model suitability, and sources of uncertainty. Relevant peer-reviewed studies were primarily identified through the Scopus database. The reviewed approaches range from simplified one-line shoreline models to process-based and fully coupled modeling systems. One-line models such as GSb and ShorelineS are computationally efficient for medium to long-term shoreline evolution, while XBeach is particularly suitable for storm-induced beach and dune responses. Delft3D and MIKE 21 provide more detailed simulations of hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and morphological evolution, whereas COAWST enables three-dimensional coupling of waves, currents, and sediment transport. Model performance strongly depends on the quality of wave, bathymetric, hydrodynamic, and sediment data, as well as appropriate calibration and validation. Model selection should therefore consider the dominant coastal processes, simulation timescale, data availability, and required level of complexity. Future development should emphasize improved uncertainty assessment, sensitivity analysis, and integration of high-quality observational data to enhance the reliability of coastal morphological predictions.