Shore-oblique bathymetric features occur around the world and have been
statistically correlated with enhanced shoreline retreat on sandy
beaches. However, the physical mechanisms that explain a causal
relationship are not well understood. In this study, radar remote
sensing observations and results from a phase-resolved numerical model
explore how complex morphology alters nearshore hydrodynamics.
Observations at selected times during high-energy storm events as well
as a suite of idealized simulations indicate that shore-oblique features
induce strong spatial variations in the water surface elevation and wave
breaking patterns. Re-emergent offshore flows and longshore current
accelerations occur near the apex of the oblique nearshore features. The
results suggest that complex bathymetric morphology exerts a powerful
control on nearshore hydrodynamics and increases the potential for
enhanced cross-shore and alongshore sediment transport, thus
contributing to localized erosional zones.