Open AccessManaging Tidal Inlets
Author(s) -
Jonathan A. French
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of marine science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2661-3239
DOI - 10.30564/jms.v1i2.850
Subject(s) - inlet , dredging , bathymetry , storm , geology , erosion , surface runoff , sediment transport , hydrology (agriculture) , oceanography , flow (mathematics) , shoal , environmental science , sediment , geotechnical engineering , geomorphology , mechanics , ecology , physics , biology
Sandy inlets are in a dynamic equilibrium between wave-driven littoral drift acting to close them, and tidal flows keeping them open. Their beds are in a continual state of suspension and deposition, so their bathymetry and even location are always in flux. Even so, a nearly linear relationship between an inlet’s cross-sectional flow area and the inshore tidal prism is maintained - except when major wind and/or runoff events act to close or widen an inlet. Inlet location can be stabilized by jetties, but dredging may still be necessary to maintain a navigable channel. Armoring with rock large enough to resist erosion can protect an inlet bed or river mouth from excessive storm flow erosion. Armoring can also be used as a stratagem to close inlets.