A conceptual morphodynamic model including storm impacts for microtidal barred beaches

Abstract : This paper introduces the main results of a large dataset concerning the impacts of storm events and recovery period on a microtidal double barred beach of the NW Mediterranean Sea (Lido de Sète, Gulf of Lions, South France). The objective is to discuss of the key control parameters among both the forcing conditions and the morphological state of the bar/beach system. Our new dataset (high frequency topo-bathymetries and ARGUS video) clearly demonstrates the importance of the morphological variations in bar pattern along the beach. The steady alongshore difference in the outer bar depth and distance (maintained by the N.O.M. variations) has a concrete influence on the modal inner bar state and sensitivity of bar and beach profile face to the erosive processes.