A physical model is presented of the wave, longshorecurrent, and ebb-tidal-current systems as they determine the distribution of mean particle size and the degree of sorting at the mouth of a controlled inlet. The model is based upon theoretical considerations as well as observations on both scale-model and natural inlets.Forty-one bottom samples were taken at Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, Virginia, under conditions appropriate for testing the model. Resultant size and sorting data were subjected to trend-surface analysis in an effort to verify trends predicted by the model.Correspondence between the model and the natural situation was found to be good. The pattern, magnitude, and extent of inlet influence on the otherwise unmodified beach sediments could be determined by subtracting a trend surface for mean size for the unmodified beach from its counterpart for the area of the inlet entrance. The area of inlet-current influence was found to be rather limited in extent.-Present address.

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