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Overwash processes along a gravel beach in south‐east Ireland
Author(s) -
Carter R. W. G.,
Orford J. D.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.3290060503
Subject(s) - swash , overwash , geology , ridge , deposition (geology) , erosion , geomorphology , beach ridge , sediment , shore , barrier island , oceanography , paleontology
Recent overwashing, and to a more limited extent overtopping, has occurred on a gravel‐dominated beach just west of Carnsore Point in south‐east Ireland. At relatively low points swash excursions have breached the duneline and extensive gravel fans have formed on landward‐facing slopes. Also, at interbreach positions, swash ramps have been built‐up in front of previously eroding dune cliffs, allowing overtopping at heights of up to 5 m above MHWOST, spreading a veneer of sediment over the adjacent dune ridge. In both cases events appear to be preceded by erosion and backbeach sand and gravel deposition. Stratigraphic, textural and fabric analyses assist in identifying environmental conditions that prevailed during overwash throat and fan, and overtopping ramp, sedimentation.