Littoral processes and the development of shorelines

Abstract

Basic principles bearing on the nature of beaches and processes that act to modify them are considered in the light of present coastal development demands. A working hypothesis is developed that applies the principle of the conservation of mass to the mechanics of granular- fluid media. This hypothesis appears to have general application to sand transport processes in the littoral zone. Additional research must be done to provide basic information in some critical areas before application can be made with assurance.