MORPHOLOGIC CLASSIFICATION OF COASTAL OVERWASH

A set of pre- and post-storm beach profile data was assembled and the profiles classified into seven different cross-shore morphology change types resulting from overwash. These were crest accumulation, dune/berm translation, dune lowering, dune destruction, barrier accretion, short-term barrier rollover, and barrier destruction. Pre- and post-storm barrier profile sets from recent laboratory experiments also fell into the new classification system. Forcing mechanisms for the different categories are suggested. Understanding of the mechanisms leading to different types of cross-shore morphologic change is useful in developing cross-shore profile numerical modelling capabilities.