Abstract
The Perth Metropolitan coastline is exposed to one of the most energetic sea breeze systems in the world, with wind velocities frequently exceeding 10 m s-1. The sea breeze induces a diurnal cycle of nearshore change by causing; (1) an increase in wave height, (2) a decrease in wave period, (3) an intensification of the nearshore currents, (4) an increase in suspended sediment levels and suspended sediment transport, and (5) a modification of the nearshore morphology. The role of sea breeze activity is particularly important along the Perth Metropolitan coastline, because here the sea breeze blows predominantly in a shore-parallel rather than a shore-normal direction. As a consequence, the wind waves induced by the sea breeze are larger, persist longer and approach the coast under a large angle with the shoreline. The alongshore component of the sea breeze and the obliquely-incident wind waves generate strong longshore currents and a northward littoral drift. The sea breeze therefore plays a dominant role in the sediment budget of the Perth Metropolitan coastline.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 199-205 |
| Number of pages | 0 |
| Journal | Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia |
| Volume | 79 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 1996 |