Characteristics of a two-dimensional model beach subjected to wave action and with initial slope 1:60 were investigated. The hypothesis that the beach profile reaches a repeatable equilibrium form was tested. It was found that the entire profile did not have a repeatable equilibrium shape, possibly due to minor uncontrollable water level variations. Certain features of the profile were found to exhibit better qualities than others. The maximum height of the beach crest above stillwater was determined to have a repeatable and stable shape. For other test data with initial slopes 1 :20 and 1 :30, the maximum height of the beach crest was found to correlate well with the deepwater wavelength. The initial slope was determined to have a significant effect on the determined relations.

Sea Grant Publications

Funding: NOAA Office of Sea Grants; grant number: 04-6-158-44012;