Effects of waves on the initiation of headland-associated sandbanks

摘要: Abstract Linear sandbanks appear in the lee of coastal headlands where hydrodynamics are dominated by strong tidal currents and seabed is characterized an abundance sands. They may develop as symmetrical on either sides headland or unique banner bank. The present study numerically investigates combined effects waves tide initial development headland-associated sandbanks. A morphological model based coupling wave propagation module SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore) with three-dimensional circulation COHERENS (COupled Hydrodynamical-Ecological for REgioNal Shelf seas) applied to idealized Gaussian shaped conditions varying heights directions at offshore boundary. considers interactions between current bottom boundary layers, namely enhanced levels turbulence near increase total shear stress. Waves substantially modify formed suspension narrowing their width reorienting them along side headland. weakly impact morphogenesis bedload favoring a short-time scale growth symmetric circular-shaped features central depositional spit prolonging tip. transverse toward tip contribute initiation well-developed feature low energy limiting evolution exposed area.