Hydraulics and Dynamics of North Inlet, South Carolina, 1974-75.
Abstract
Detailed quarterly studies at North Inlet, South Carolina, have shown variation in wave parameters, beach and inlet morphology, and tidal hydraulics which are related to seasonal climatic patterns. Wind magnitude and direction, occurrence of northeast storms, and brackish water influx from adjacent Winyah Bay are significant process variables. Over 800 unique visual wave observations indicate that annual resultant wave energy flux is directed to the south. Beach profiles at 11 locations show that erosion is primarily due to northeast storms and that the shoreline is transgressive. A maximum of 7 meters of foredune retreat was observed during the winter of 1972-73, contributing abundant sediment to the ebb tidal delta, which has a present volume of over 35,700,000 cubic meters. The only beach not severely eroding lies immediately south of the inlet where the ebb tidal delta affords protection from northeast storm wave approach, and onshore migration of swash bars provides sediment to the longshore transport reversal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA033419
Entities
People
- Robert J. Finley
Organizations
- University of South Carolina