Modelling shoreline movement using two extreme beachface slopes

A new algorithm to simulate shoreline movement at general planar coastal morphology is proposed here. Two limiting slopes and a reference level are involved in this algorithm. If beach slope exceeds a certain value during numerical morphological modelling, the beach profile undergoes correction by moving some sediment volume to underwater zone. If beach slope becomes smaller than the other slope, the beach profile is corrected by moving some sediment volume to onshore zone. Final adjustment is carried out to sort out three-dimensionality. The algorithm is applied to a laboratory experiment showing tombolo generation behind a detached breakwater, and demonstrates its usefulness with reasonable accuracy