The Development of Downdrift Erosion

Abstract

Downdrift erosion is a common feature of shores occurring where a headland, inlet, river, bay, canyon, reef or shoal blocks the natural longshore drift of materials, that is transport of sand and gravel by waves and currents. Sediment transport results in accumulations on updrift or receiving side and in the adjoining ocean. There is a corresponding depletion of materials on the downdrift side. The terminology "Littoral Drift Barrier" is accordingly developed. This paper is "an interim report" which reviews practical cases of leeside erosion and attempts to explain the development as a function of time.