Budget of littoral sands in the vicinity of Point Arguello, California

Abstract

This report shows the results of a detailed analysis of the various littoral processes which affect the California Coast between Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara. The method involves the concept of a sand budget based on the transport rates of all significant littoral processes. Each process is examined to assess the sedimentary contributions (credits) and losses (debits). To balance the sediment transports, the region is subdivided into five cells, the boundaries of which are chosen at positions where the longshore transport of sand has been estimated. Using basic data from maps, surveys, aerial photographs, climatic records, and wave conditions, the authors have determined a quantitative transport rate for each process in each cell. The results are shown in graphic and tabular form. The budget concept provides a practical tool for coastal engineering problems. However, the difficulty of moving from qualitative trends to quantitative determinations reveals gaps in the present state of knowledge and requirements for further research.