The development and stability of beach-dune system on the wave-dominated coast: A case study of the Curonian Spit, Lithuania

Abstract

Abstract The complexity of the foredune system is responsible for its morphological diversity and different development scenarios. On wave-dominated coasts, wave activity that permanently changes foredune and beach morphometry is the main limiting factor of foredune development. Based on a field data collected on the Curonian Spit in 2002–2017, the dynamic pattern of the cross-shore profile parameters was determined. There is a close correlation between the foredune height and horizontal distance between the shoreline and foredune top. In foredunes with differing morphology and sedimentology, the established ratio between these indices is rather stable and makes 0.14–0.21 (an average of 0.17). During accretion-dominated periods, with minimal storm surge impact on the foredune, the slope flattens and, under ideal conditions the foredune toe approaches the shoreline, and the stoss slope angle reaches 0.17 (i.e. ∼10°).