Longshore sediment transport by large-scale lake circulations at low-energy, non-tidal beaches: A field and model study

Low-energy, non-tidal lake beaches are known to be subject longshore morphodynamics, but little is about how they driven by wind and wave-driven currents. Lake Markermeer a shallow (∼4 m deep), wind-dominated lake, of approximately 700 km2. A gradient in wind-induced water level set-up at the leeward shore induces flow from shallower deeper parts thereby generating large-scale, horizontal circulation. Flow measurements results numerical Delft3D model show that these circulations impact nearshore currents greatly, even more than for most conditions. From first study site Markermeer, we found clear relation between sediment transport capacity measured volume flux. The can predict direction magnitude any condition. Using statistics, net short period or long term mean predicted. confirmed second site, which shows distinct could not explained alone. Concluding, large-scale great significance morphological development low-energy, shallow, wind-driven bodies. Knowledge their dependence on characteristics crucial factor better understand losses beaches.