Equilibrium modeling of beach profile on the Southern Caspian: A case study on Mazandaran coast

In this research, the equilibrium profiles of sediment transport in the Mazandaran coast were investigated using experimental and polynomial models. Bathymetry measurement data as well as existing observations data from some local stations were used to model the equilibrium profiles. According to the results, Dean s mathematical model was in good agreement with the equilibrium profiles of the research area. Also, the polynomial models were more in line with the equilibrium profiles of the study areas compared to Dean s mathematical model and the exponential mathematical models. However, the order of the polynomials varied in different regions which depend on the factors such as different topography, type of bed sediments, and the sediment transfer rate in different seasons. The decreasing slope of the bed from west to east accounted for the difference in the amount of erosion and sedimentation in different coastal areas and, finally, the shape of the bed.