A Study of Intertidal Bar Dynamics Using the Argus Video System

The following paper describes the cross-shore and longshore seasonal intertidal beach dynamics along the macro-tidal beach of Cleveleys (UK). The studied beach is characterised by the presence of shore-parallel runnel (channels) and ridges (tabular bodies), and intersecting drainage channels. Argus video images and in-situ field measurements have been used in order to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of the complex and dynamic runnel-ridge system. In the short-term, the impact of a major storm has been analysed and correlated to the changes in intertidal bathymetry. The long-term ridge position has been determined using the Argus image contouring technique and existing beach surveys since 1991. It has been demonstrated that the frequent cross-shore ridge migration mainly occurs during high energy conditions and is governed by surf zone processes. The longshore ridges' migration occurs at larger time scales and is associated with the dynamics of intersecting or mini rip channels.