Step g . In addition to aiding in the evaluation and optimization of 

 project designs, shoreline response modeling can provide guidance for prepar- 

 ing a monitoring plan (Step g) . Regions of anticipated maximum and minimum 

 shoreline change or sensitivity can be identified and the monitoring plan 

 structured to provide data in these important regions. Initial estimates of 

 the monitoring schedule (frequency of measurements) and density or spacing of 

 measurement points can also be made by reference to the temporal characteris- 

 tics of model predictions. 



CONCLUDING DISCUSSION 



Numerical models of beach change, particularly of profile erosion and 

 shoreline change, are becoming more accurate and prolific, and they will be 

 increasingly used in the planning and design process for shore protection. 

 Because of their great power and generality, numerical models provide a 

 framework for developing shore protection problem and solution statements, for 

 organizing the collection and analysis of data and, most importantly, for 

 evaluating alternative designs and optimizing the selected design. Mathe- 

 matical models of beach evolution extend the coastal experience of specialists 

 and introduce a systematic and comprehensive project management methodology to 

 the local engineering or planning office. 



This paper has attempted to demonstrate the utility and benefits of 

 numerical modeling of coastal processes to the coastal planning and management 

 community. Although emphasis was on numerical modeling and beach processes, 

 it should be recognized that a shore protection project will involve a wide 

 range of techniques and tools. 



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 



The first draft of this paper was written while I was a guest researcher 

 at the Department of Water Resources Engineering, University of Lund, Lund, 

 Sweden, over the period May- June 1988. I would like to thank my hosts, Drs. 

 Hans Hanson and Magnus Larson, for arranging the visit and providing a 

 stimulating environment, and Dr. Janusz Niewczynowicz for graciously sharing 

 his office. The manuscript benefitted from comments by CERC colleagues Drs. 

 Steven Hughes and Norman Schef f ner , and Ms. Julie Dean Rosati . 



The work presented herein was conducted under the Surf Zone Sediment 

 Transport Processes work unit of the Shore Protection and Evaluation Program, 



21 



