Backbarrier Evolution and Complete Overwash Occurrence

The shoreline changes along the backbarrier of a barrier system are extremely variable and critically dependent upon geographic location and the inherent interaction with hydrodynamic processes. There are only a few studies describing the backbarrier morphodynamic evolution and inherent implications to the entire barrier system. In the present study it is performed the classification of the major evolution and maturation trends observed at Ria Formosa backbarrier, evaluating in particular the role of the complete washover occurrence. Besides, the direct influence of inlets displacement, complete overwashes were considered to be one of the main events responsible for sediment availability at the backbarrier, and consequently interfered with the obtained evolution/maturation. Complete washover were assumed to contribute both to immature and mature backbarriers, at different time scales observation.