Literature Review on the Geologic Aspects of Inner Shelf Cross-Shore Sediment Transport

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Literature Review on the Geologic Aspects of Inner Shelf Cross-Shore Sediment Transport

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Smith, J. Bailey

This report reviews literature concerning the geological aspects of inner continental shelf physical processes, sediment transport, and stratigraphy. Although surf zone and nearshore processes and sediment transport have been extensively addressed in the literature, inner shelf processes and sediment transport, particularly in the cross-shelf direction, are not well understood. Inner continental shelf processes and related cross-shore sediment transport between the beach and the inner shelf have important implications for engineering works such as beachfill design and dredged material placement. Specific topics considered include: depth of closure and extent of sediment transport landward and seaward of this zone; processes that cause cross-shore movement of sediment; amount and physical characteristics of beach material lost to the offshore; long-term fate of sediment that has moved offshore; relationship between depositional structures and flow processes; the impact of episodic storms on sedimentation; and the importance of the geologic framework on the inner shelf. Discussions pertain to the relationships between sediment transport on the inner shelf and the concepts of equilibrium profile, depth of closure, and sedimentation and stratigraphic characteristics of the inner shelf.