Figueiredp S. A., Cowell P. and Short A. D., 2007. Intermittent backbeach discharge to the surfzone: modes and geomorphologic implications. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 50 (Proceedings of the 9th International Coastal Symposium), 610 – 614. Gold Coast, Australia, ISSN 0749.0208

The exchange of sediment between dune-beach and surfzone is influenced by the elevation of the water table relative to the surface. Locations where the discharge of water from the backbeach to the surf zone is established, in the form of seepage, washouts and lagoons openings are associated with seaward transport of sediment. The generation and maintenance of washouts at the beach are mainly related to water table levels, sediment characteristics and frequency of precipitation. Their source area is chiefly the water table and swamp areas behind foredunes; in contrast, the pocket lagoons openings and intermittently open lagoon (ICOLL) breaching are due to high beach water tables and lagoons level immediately landward of the berm. The locations of surface discharge points may be preferential places for the establishment of subsequent coastal processes, as a consequence of a lower beach and dune line. This may influence the longer term-large scale coastal evolution of the dune, back beach and sediment budget.