Breach Stability and Growth Analysis Using a Morphological Model

The formation of a new breach through coastal barrier islands is relatively common occurrence during extreme storm events. In fact, breaching has a significant role in the development and long-term morphological evolution of natural barrier islands by providing the backbarrier with sediments that accommodate both barrier island migration and the establishment of new intertidal and subtidal habitats. However, breaches also have the potential to adversely affect adjacent bays and inlets with conditions including increased water levels, damages to buildings and infrastructure on the barrier island, and impacts to existing inlets which may experience increased shoaling or even closure in the event of a breach. This paper examines the analytical/empirical tools presently used to assess breach stability and long-term growth, and it presents preliminary results from an initial attempt to simulate these processes using a numerical morphological model.