Sequential stage development of crescentic bars: HaHoterim beach, southeastern Mediterranean ( Israel).

Sequential bar development was delineated at HaHoterim beach, northern Israel. The concomitant wave data, showed strong correlation with the bar stages. Two bar developmental sequences were delineated: one shore-normal and the other initially oblique but gradually rotating to shore-normal in the mature stage. Threshold conditions for the initial stage development of shore-normal crescentic systems were defined. The residence time of bar types was determined by the frequency of crossing of these threshold conditions. The outer bars and the mega-rip channels composed the most stable inshore elements. Regional aerial photography and wave data indicate that the bar/wave relationships at HaHoterim are representative of the eastern flank of the Nile, including most of the Israeli coast. -from Authors