摘要
Sandy inlets are in a dynamic equilibrium between wave-driven littoral drift acting to close them,and tidal flows keeping them open.Their beds are in a continual state of suspension and deposition,so their bathymetry and even location are always in flux.Even so,a nearly linear relationship between an inlet’s cross-sectional flow area and the inshore tidal prism is maintained-except when major wind and/or runoff events act to close or widen an inlet.Inlet location can be stabilized by jetties,but dredging may still be necessary to maintain a navigable channel.Armoring with rock large enough to resist erosion can protect an inlet bed or river mouth from excessive storm flow erosion.Armoring can also be used as a stratagem to close inlets.
