Web-based interactive learning package
Cross-Shore Sediment Transportation
Cross-shore transport refers to the cumulative movement of beach and nearshore sand perpendicular to the shore by the combined action of tides, wind and waves, and the shore-perpendicular currents produced by them. These forces usually result in an almost continuous movement of sand either in suspension in the water column or in flows at the surface of the seafloor. This occurs in a complex, three-dimensional pattern, varying rapidly with time. At any moment, some sand in the area of interest will have an onshore component while other sand is moving generally offshore.
Causes of Cross-shore transport
• Waves travelling perpendicular to contours - onshore drift
• Breakers cause undertow current and suspend sand
• Beach porosity “sucks down” sediment particles in swash zone
• Winds on dry beaches blow sand onto dunes
• Tidal currents can carry sediments onshore or offshore
• Steep seabed slopes into deep water - offshore losses
Watch Also
Cross Shore Sediment Transport Time Lapse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d-DqKP8oAQ
Use the time lapse to demonstrate the cross-shore sediment transport and erosion of beach due to cross-shore transport