Modelling the formation of transverse sand bars: application to Duck beach, USA

Abstract

A morphodynamic model has been applied to explain the formation of transverse sand bars at Duck beach, USA. The model describes the feedback between waves, rollers, depth-averaged currents and bed evolution, so that self-organized processes can develop. The wave and bathymetric conditions measured at Duck are used to perform the simulations. Subsequently, modelled bar characteristics are compared with those observed there. Realistic positive feedback leading to formation of the observed bars only occurs if the resuspension of sediment due to bore turbulence is included in the model. Also, the offshore root mean square wave height must be larger than 0.5 m and the offshore wave incidence angle larger than 15o (offshore boundary is at 8 m depth), conditions that occur at Duck only 25% of the time. The modelled shape (wavelength, cross-shore extent and crest orientation) and growth rate agree with data, but the model overestimates the migration rates.