Laboratory Investigation of Ebb Tidal Shoals

The morphology of ebb tidal shoals has received considerable attention in the last few years, but no generally applicable techniques have evolved to predict shoal development. This engineering study is a first step in that direction. Shoals were generated in a laboratory basin and the basin controlling parameters were identified. Results indicate that the inlet behaves as a two dimensional turbulent jet and that inlet width, discharge velocity, and critical sediment velocity govern the equilibrium shoal dimensions. This preliminary study also suggests that the development of shoal length and width are governed by different transport mechanisms. Resolution of such possibilities requires more detailed studies.