Stability of tidal inlets—Pass Cavallo,Texas

Many tidal inlets are scoured in loose granular material, and the morphological changes in these inlets are discussed. The changes are the result of the predominantly fortnightly variations in the tide, the seasonal variations in storm activity and the occurrence of extreme meteorological events. The adjustment of an inlet to changes in the hydraulic environment and sudden changes in its morphology associated with extreme meteorological events is primarily via a change in the cross-sectional area. For a single-inlet bay system, the response of the inlet cross-sectional area can be determined using the stability analysis presented by Escoffier (1940). Rather than one inlet, many bays are connected to the ocean by several inlets. In this study, Escoffier's analysis is expanded to include the interaction of these inlets. In the analysis, the sediment carrying capacity of the inlet currents is characterized by the bottom shear stress. The stability analysis is applied to Pass Cavallo, Texas. Assuming the absence of future influences of tropical storms and hurricanes, the analysis shows that as a result of the opening of a companion inlet, Pass Cavallo ultimately will close.