Effect of tidal inlet stabilization on barrier island morphodynamics

Abstract

Barrier islands are dynamic environments threatened by sea-level rise. Humans alter barrier island morphodynamics with potentially important but unknown long-term consequences. Here we use a new barrier island model to study how tidal inlet stabilization (jetties, dredging) affect barrier islands. We find that stabalization reduces the capacity of inlets to build flood-tidal delta deposits: jetties limit inlet bypassing and can increase downdrift barrier overwashing. In scenarios where flood-tidal delta deposition is required for barrier rollover during sea-level rise, inlet stabilization increases the risk of barrier drowning.