Boundary layer dynamics in the swash zone under large-scale laboratory conditions

• A laboratory experiment was carried out in a large-scale wave flume.
• Velocity profiles have been used to analyze swash boundary layer dynamics.
• The momentum integral method performs poorly during uprush.
• A varying groundwater table affects swash dynamics and friction factors.
• Friction coefficients behavior is consistent with traditional formulations.

This paper presents the results of a laboratory experiment of swash hydrodynamics on a coarse sand barrier beach backed by a lagoon. Boundary layer dynamics have been analyzed using the high-resolution near-bed velocities measured by Acoustic Doppler Velocity Profilers deployed in the swash zone. Swash events have been ensemble-averaged in order to study mean hydrodynamic patterns. A proposed velocity gradient criterion allowed identification of the boundary layer growth during the backwash phase, but it was unable to characterize boundary layer variability during uprush. Cross-shore velocity profiles were well represented by the logarithmic model for a large portion of the ensemble-averaged swash duration. Uprush and backwash logarithmic-estimated friction factors were of the same order of magnitude with a strong variability related to the boundary layer growth during the backwash. The momentum integral method provided smaller bed shear stresses than the logarithmic model, a result possibly related to either the assumptions involved in the momentum integral method or to an underestimation of the boundary layer thickness during uprush. A decrease of friction coefficients for increasing Reynolds numbers at the early backwash was observed. This behavior is consistent with traditional results for steady and uniform flows in a transitional regime.