Estuarine Beach Morphology in Microtidal Middle Harbour, Sydney

Author: Kennedy, David M.

Source: Australian Geographical Studies, Volume 40, Number 2, July 2002 , pp. 231-240(10)

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Abstract:

Microtidal Middle Harbour, Sydney, contains a range of estuarine beach morphologies from steep reflective beachfaces to wide low-tide terraces. The most exposed beaches are morphologically similar to lowest-energy open-ocean beaches; however, the remainder of the profiles cannot be adequately explained by established beach morphodynamic models. Estuarine beach morphology in Middle Harbour appears to be primarily influenced by storm events. Deep-water ocean waves rework profiles in the lower part of estuary. For beaches protected from these waves, tidal fluctuations are the main determinant of beach profile. Locally-generated wind waves are only a significant energy contributor where the fetch is large enough; however, this only occurs on two beaches where low-tide terraces are formed.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8470.00176

Affiliations: 1: Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Publication date: 2002-07-01