Role of morphological variability in the evolution of nearshore sandbars

► Morphological evolution of nearshore sandbars is modelled for various conditions. ► Small morphological variability may adapt to changing hydrodynamic conditions. ► Nearshore sandbars need time to respond to hydrodynamic conditions: response time. ► Current patterns reinforce distinct bar morphologies, preventing changes. ► Deeply imprinted rip channels are hard to change.