Waves, Currents and Seabed Level Change in the Port of Gdynia During Extreme Events

The primary purpose of the paper is to identify port areas most exposed to extreme hydrodynamic conditions (waves, sea currents, seabed level change). The results of modelling using SWAN wave model, MIKE 3D model, and reanalysis and measurement data were used in paper. Swell may exceed 0.8 m for winds exceeding 15 m s-1 from the west and south. During extreme conditions, sea currents can reach 0.4 ms-1 in the outer part of the bay adjacent to the port. Port basins do not show changes in the thickness of the seabed for the given maximum values of bottom currents. The most extensive deposition of the seabed and shore sediments (up to 0.04 m) is found on the Gdynia-Oksywie beach adjacent to the port and the approach fairway at the offshore currents. The outer area of the main breakwater is the most exposed to erosive activity (-0.012 m).