U.S. Department of Defense
Date of this Version
2012
Citation
Coastal Engineering 60 (2012) 323–325; doi:10.1016/j.coastaleng.2011.08.008
Abstract
Problems of constructing a sediment budget for an inlet is often a challenge due to constraints on data collection, quality of data, and assumptions one is willing to consider. Existing literature does not provide a systematic foundation for equations considered and often engineers and geologists typically do not properly consider the mathematical constraints placed on the problem of sediment budget construction. The present technical note presents a simple methodology for assessing sediment budget, i.e. what is possible, and what is not possible via a matrix equation system and linear algebra. It is hoped that engineers and geologists will not impose unrealistic expectations on the sediment budget system via using such an approach. Some simple examples are given of both pitfalls and correct approaches to sediment budget development.