ORCID ID
0000-0001-8213-4843
Date of Award
8-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Earth & Environmental Science
Department
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Major Professor
Robert Mahon
Second Advisor
Juliette Ioup
Third Advisor
Madeline Foster-Martinez
Abstract
This thesis presents a framework for parameter sensitivity analysis and optimization of coastal hydrodynamic models. The research uses the Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) method to quantify parameter sensitivity and identify optimal values for currents, wave height, and water level. A variance-based technique guides parameter selection when GLUE yields competing values or when observations are unavailable.
The framework is demonstrated through two case studies: Hurricane Michael (2018) and the ExCaliBur field study (2022) near Oceanside, CA. Results from Hurricane Michael show higher optimal hydrodynamic model bottom friction values near the hurricane's landfall location. The Oceanside study identifies the hydrodynamic model's bottom friction coefficient as a key parameter, with an optimized value of 0.043 improving model skill for this location and conditions. The wave model's bottom friction coefficient is important for accurately modeling significant wave height, while horizontal eddy viscosity affects alongshore currents.
This thesis discusses implications for data-scarce settings and outlines future research, including transferring optimized parameter sets and developing predictive relationships. This research improves coastal model accuracy where observations are available and establishes a foundation for enhanced predictions in data-scarce coastal regions through informed parameter selection.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Recommended Citation
Allen, Sunni Siqueira, "Improving Coastal Hydrodynamic Model Performance through Parameter Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization" (2025). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 3300.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/3300
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.