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From Depth-Averaged Wave Models to Quasi-3D Transport: A Framework for Nearshore Microplastics
Summary
Scientists developed a smarter computer modeling method to track how tiny plastic particles move through waves near the shore, going beyond simple 2D predictions to capture what's happening at different depths in the water. This matters because knowing where microplastics actually travel and collect along coastlines could help us better understand our exposure to them through seafood and beach activities, and guide cleanup efforts to the areas that need it most.
Understanding microplastics transport in the nearshore zone requires an accurate representation of wave-induced circulation and vertical mixing processes. This study presents a methodological framework for reconstructing continuity-consistent quasi-three-dimensional velocity fields from depth-averaged outputs of the Nonlinear Shallow Water (NSW) and Boussinesq equations. A benchmark configuration is first employed to verify the numerical consistency and physical plausibility of the model. The framework is then extended to compare shallow water and Boussinesq formulations over a simplified planar bathymetry, enabling the influence of individual equation terms on tracer evolution to be isolated and physically interpreted. The proposed technique offers a valuable tool for extending the utility of efficient two-dimensional models toward quasi-three-dimensional hydrodynamic analysis.