Beach scarp evolution and prediction

Five years of beach topography data were examined to map the spatio-temporal patterns in beach scarp existence. Data of the Sand Engine were used, a mega scale nourishment implemented in 2011 at the Dutch coast. Topographic data were automatically and manually analyzed to recognize scarps in the dataset. Moments of destruction and persistence of scarps were found to be dependent on wave run-up levels. At the site observed, scarps are often created during spring and summer months during mild wave conditions. During storms in autumn and winter the wave run-up exceeds the crest level of the scarp causing a removal of the scarps along the full perimeter. These findings suggest that the platform height of a beach nourishment is an important parameter for the persistence of beach scarps at recently nourished sites.