Wave spray-induced sand transport and deposition during a coastal storm, Magilligan Point, Northern Ireland

Observations during a coastal storm at Magilligan Point, Northern Ireland reveal characteristic surficial deposits onshore produced by landward transport of sand within spray generated by strong winds and breaking waves. Conditions necessary for formation of such deposits include an adequate sediment supply, strong onshore waves and winds. onshore waves of short period and a low coastal scarp. The process, which may be locally important, is unlikely to be of great significance in contemporary sediment budget considerations and indicative figures suggest net landward transport rates of about 0.5 m(3)/metre of shoreline/hour during optimal conditions. Its importance as a source of cliff-top sediment over longer time m periods may be greater. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.