Journal article
Morphology of a low-energy beach, Como Beach, Western Australia
Journal of Coastal Research, Vol.22(1), pp.63-77
2006
Abstract
The morphology of Como Beach in the Swan River Estuary, Western Australia, is described. Como Beach is in a microtidal estuarine environment in which modal wave conditions are extremely low and nontidal fluctuations in water level are principally determined by storm surges and low-frequency changes in ocean water levels. Detailed descriptions of sandy beaches in very sheltered locations, such as Como, are uncommon in the literature, although these beaches are a common feature of coastal environments. In contrast to beaches in wave-dominated environments, those in very sheltered, low-energy locations may support subtidal terraces and beach profiles that differ in form and scale from the bars and intertidal flats in wave- and tide-dominated environments. At Como, beach profiles are superimposed on a subtidal terrace rising steeply from waters several metres deep to -1.5 m (Australian Height Datum; AHD), then with a low gradient to approximately -0.3 m (AHD) at the shore. The profiles range from planar forms on which very small waves (Hb less than 0.1 m) are dissipated to curvilinear forms that reflect higher waves (Hb > 0.2 m) from the beachface. A transitional form with a segmented profile comprising a steep beachface and flat inshore occurs, particularly where littoral drift is apparent.
Details
- Title
- Morphology of a low-energy beach, Como Beach, Western Australia
- Authors
- M J Eliot (Author) - University of Western AustraliaAilbhe Travers (Author) - University of Western AustraliaI Eliot (Author) - University of Western Australia
- Publication details
- Journal of Coastal Research, Vol.22(1), pp.63-77
- Publisher
- Coastal Education & Research Foundation, Inc.
- Date published
- 2006
- DOI
- 10.2112/05A-0006.1
- ISSN
- 0749-0208; 0749-0208
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2006 Coastal Education & Research Foundation, Inc. Reproduced here with permission of the copyright holder.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450086502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
- Research Statement
- false
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