Inlet Geomorph Bibliography-Classification

Hayes, M.O., 1979. Barrier Island Morphology as a Function of Tidal and Wave Regime. In: Barrier Islands form the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico, S.P. Leatherman (Ed.). Academic Press, NY, pp. 1-27.

• In this paper, Hayes identifies two factors, wave energy and tidal current energy control geomorphology of depositional coasts and describes that both of these are related to tide range (T.R.). Hayes discusses Davies (1964) classification of shorelines based on tide range:
  • Microtidal coasts (T.R. 0-2 meters) (wave dominated coasts)
  • Mesotidal coasts (T.R. 2-4 meters)
  • Macrotidal coasts (T.R. > 4 meters) (tide dominated coasts)

Hayes provides inlets which are examples of each case with the associated references but focuses on coasts with medium wave energy (Mean Significant Wave Height (MSH) = 60-150 cm). Additionally, Hayes provides the geomorphologic differences of the mesotidal and microtidal cases in table form and discussion within the table.

Hayes classified and plotted 21 barrier island shorelines based upon mean tidal range and mean wave height and into five morphological types: wave dominated, mixed-energy wave dominant, mixed-energy tide dominant, tide-dominated (high) and tide-dominated (low). Hayes concludes that, for coasts with medium wave energy, the tidal classification of Davies (1964) needed refinement and that the boundary between microtidal and mesotidal as thought to be too high. Hayes added the classification of low-mesotidal for areas where the tide rages are between 1-2 meters for coasts of medium wave energy.

Hayes also discusses the relationship between shoreline morphology and shoreline embayments and the effects of climate on barrier morphology.

• Inlet & Coastal Geomorphic Annotated Bibliography