A Study on the Transport Mechanism of Tidal Beach Sediments I. Deukryang Bay, South Coast of Korea

In order to understand the transport mechanism of tidal beach sediments in Deukryang Bay, south coast of Korea, beach profiles, surface sediments, sedimentation rates and hydrodynamic conditions have been investigated. The beach is composed of a steep beach face and gentle low-tide terrace, showing general morphologic characteristics of tide dominated beach. Central beach face of an indented coast becomes flattened in summer, but ridge and runnel system developed in other seasons makes the beach profile rather irregular. These seasonal variations of beach profiles and sedimentation rate indicate that beach sedimentation is mainly controlled by both tide and wave processes. Erosion is prevalent in winter when strong wind wave is dominant, while deposition is dominant in other seasons. However, central beach showed an apparent erosional phase in summer. This is caused by strong waves induced by southerly strong winds occurring ephemerally during the summer. On the other hand, sedimentation rates are -89.2 mm/yr on the central beach and 60.5 mm/yr and 38.2 mm/yr on the sides. This result suggests that sediments are eroded on the central beach and subsequently transported to the both sides. Therefore, the central part of Sumun beach, used as a beach bathing site, will be continuously eroded, if nearby dyke continues to prevent the sediment supply from sources.