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Email the author (Login required) Seasonal wave, current, and suspended sediment dynamics on two contrasting microtidal beaches in the Colombian Caribbean
Submited: 2025-09-05 08:23:09 | Published: 2026-04-30 21:53:20
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol54-issue2-fulltext-3531
Abstract
Waves are the primary phenomenon to be considered in coastal engineering studies and designs, as they constitute the primary source of energy driving coastal flows and processes. This study examines the roles of gravity (G) and infragravity (IG) waves in suspended sediment transport within the surf zones of two Caribbean beaches in Colombia: the reflective-intermediate beach, Costa Verde, and the dissipative-intermediate beach, Bocagrande. Field measurements included free-surface elevation (η), cross-shore (u) and alongshore (v) velocities, and sediment corrected backscatter (SCB, in dB). Results indicate higher sediment suspension during the dry season, with IG wave energy dominating cross-shore and alongshore currents. Strong correlations between u and v components and SCB, revealed by Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) and Wavelet Transforms Coherence (WTC), show that IG waves largely control sediment flux. Energy and SCB fluxes did not exhibit a uniform direction, reflecting complex interactions with beach morphology, wave breaking, and anthropogenic structures. Overall, IG-driven currents are the primary factor controlling suspended-sediment transport and morphodynamic evolution in the surf zone. These findings provide essential insights for coastal management and the planning of erosion-mitigation measures for urban beaches.
