Notes On Tidal Inlets On Sandy Shores

Sandy shorelines approach an average equilibrium configuration, in planform and profile, under the influence of the wave climate, the tides and tidal currents, and the local winds acting on the material which forms the shore. The tides and tidal currents vary in a predictable sequence but waves and local winds occur randomly and shorelines exhibit correspondingly random deviations from an average configuration. The most active position of most shorelines is found in and near inlets where strong currents move the material stirred up by wave action. Past studies of the equilibrium configuration of shorelines have suffered from the lack of quantitative data on the wave climate, the average long-term wave exposure, and data on the daily, seasonal, and annual variations in wave intensity and direction. The long-range objective should be to relate the configurations of shorelines and the temporal variations in configuration, to the waves, winds, tides and currents. A shorter range objective is to explain quantitatively the behavior of inlets and adjacent shores. (Author).

This report presents observations, theories, and analysis that the author has found applicable to the rational design of coastal inlets. It also presents various memoranda on the behavior and sedimentary and hydraulic characteristics of tidal inlets on sandy shorelines, and is intended to represent a source of ideas of graduate thesis studies, as well as a stimulant to other research workers in this field.

Developments in Geotechnical Engineering, 23: Stability of Tidal Inlets: Theory and Engineering focuses on all aspects related to tidal inlets on littoral drift shores where freshwater flow is small or non-existing. The selection first tackles the development and configuration of tidal inlets and inlet hydraulics. Discussions focus on flow dynamics and nearshore transport, combinations of waves and currents, sediment transport and storage in the tidal entrance, offsets of tidal inlets, natural inlet regimen, migration of inlets, and origin of tidal inlets. The manuscript then examines sediment transport in tidal inlets, stability of tidal inlets on littoral drift shores, and design and improvements of coastal inlets. Topics cover ocean entrance, overall stability condition, hydraulic and sedimentary principles, non-scouring channels, transport of sediments in wave agitated waters, and sediment transport by combined wave and current action. The publication explores improvements by structures, including natural bypassing, types of improvement, and bypassing by structures and bypassing plants or arrangements. The selection is a valuable source of data for researchers interested in the stability of tidal inlets.