MODELING SHORELINE EVOLUTION AND HEADLAND SEDIMENT BYPASSING AT PLATFORM BEACHES

Shoreline evolution models are valuable tools in analyzing and predicting coastal evolution at seasonal to decadal time scales. Most models have been developed for sandy environments, assuming therefore that the sandy profile extents up to the closure depth. At platform beaches, due to sediment scarcity, the equilibrium profile assumption is no longer valid and shoreline estimates must consider the presence of a rocky shore platform and limited sand availability. This work describes a Shoreline Evolution Model (SEM-PLAT), that was developed to simulate shoreline changes where beaches develop over a rocky platform. The model helps to predict beach development and evolution at headland-bay coasts and to understand some key processes such as beach rotation and sediment headland bypassing.