TITLE:
Modeling of the Hydro-Sedimentary Dynamics of the Coastal and Port Area of Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo)
AUTHORS:
Westinevy Benarez Ndzessou, Destin Gemetone Etou, Toudissa Gertrud Rita Mayoukou, Elombo Motoula Smaël Magloire, Merge Mbali, Christian Armand Anicet Tathy
KEYWORDS:
Hydrodynamics, Hydro-Sedimentary, Swell, CMS-Flow, CMS-Wave, Tide, Marine Current
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Marine Science,
Vol.16 No.1,
December
1,
2025
ABSTRACT: The coastal zone of Pointe-Noire, located on the Atlantic coast of the Republic of Congo, is subject to complex hydro-sedimentary dynamics influenced by ocean currents, waves and tides. This article presents the numerical modeling of the hydro-sedimentary dynamics of the Pointe-Noire coastal zone using two tools from the integrated CMS (Coastal Modeling System) modeling system: CMS-Wave, which is a wave model, and CMS-Flow, a coupled current and sediment transport model. Analysis of the test case results revealed the highest wave and current amplitudes near the Songolo coast (northern zone) and also along the outer breakwater protecting the port (southern zone). These currents are responsible for erosion in Loango Bay. Sediment movement is activated solely by wave breaking and drained by the drift currents they generate. On the southern side of the port, sediment is transported along the outer breakwater towards the north, fed by sand from the Sauvage coast. This sand transit is responsible for the excessive filling of the sand trap area. On the north side of the port, transport flows downhill toward the port enclosure, fed by the Songolo vouchers. The volume of sediment moved within a model area of 345.6 km2 over a period of one month is approximately 15775.5 m3. The study provided a better understanding of the mechanisms at play in order to support sustainable coastal management and port development strategies.