The development and stability of beach-dune system on the wave-dominated coast: A case study of the Curonian Spit, Lithuania

• Published in: Aeolian research 2019-12, Vol.41, p.100542, Article 100542
• Main Authors: Jarmalavičius, Darius, Pupienis, Donatas, Žilinskas, Gintautas, Karaliūnas, Viktoras, Jukna, Laurynas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coastal dune; Coastal dynamics; Coastal morphometry; Cross-shore profile
• ISSN: 1875-9637; 2212-1684
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2019.100542

[Display omitted] •The article deals with the foredune slope development and its steady-state condition.•The analysis based on the Curonian Spit foredune stoss slope change in 2002–2017.•During accretion periods foredune stoss slope angle (tgθ) approaches 0.17. The complexity of the foredune system is responsible for its morphological diversity and different development scenarios. On wave-dominated coasts, wave activity that permanently changes foredune and beach morphometry is the main limiting factor of foredune development. Based on a field data collected on the Curonian Spit in 2002–2017, the dynamic pattern of the cross-shore profile parameters was determined. There is a close correlation between the foredune height and horizontal distance between the shoreline and foredune top. In foredunes with differing morphology and sedimentology, the established ratio between these indices is rather stable and makes 0.14–0.21 (an average of 0.17). During accretion-dominated periods, with minimal storm surge impact on the foredune, the slope flattens and, under ideal conditions the foredune toe approaches the shoreline, and the stoss slope angle reaches 0.17 (i.e. ∼10°).