Multi-factor tracking of tidal processes in an intermittently open estuarine lake

Hinwood, Jonathan Barry; McLean, Errol J

doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108400

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…The dynamics of the inlet are primarily controlled by external forcings (sediment transport and hydrodynamic forcings) [15]: fluvial, tidal, and/or gravity waves [4,6,[16][17][18] but also infragravity waves [19][20][21][22][23]. These systems are particularly difficult to study because of the concomitant forcings, coupled with the complexity of wave-current interactions [24][25][26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphodynamic Behaviour of a Mediterranean Intermittent Estuary with Opening Phases Primarily Dominated by Offshore Winds

Feyssat

Certain

Robin

et al. 2022

JMSE

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This study focuses on the dynamics of an intermittent estuary in a wave-dominated (microtidal) area, with low fluvial discharges and strong dominant offshore wind regimes. The aims are to understand the effect of these particular environmental factors in the dynamics of such estuaries. The results allow us to propose a synthetic morphodynamic model of evolution whereby opening phases are predominantly controlled by offshore winds, which have a significant influence in the northern Mediterranean. Inputs from rainfall/karst discharge and the overtopping of storm waves cause the lagoon to fill. Closing phases are controlled by the slight easterly swell which forms a berm at the inlet entrance. On occasion, major storms can also contribute to barrier opening. Nevertheless, offshore wind remains the main controlling factor allowing the surge of lagoon waters behind the beach barrier and the lowering of the berm by wind deflation. This leads to opening of the barrier due to the overflow of lagoon waters at the beach megacusp horns, thus connecting the sub-aerial beach with the inner bar system that is developed on topographically low sectors of the barrier. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this type of estuary is not described in the literature.

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