An initial analysis of swash flow velocity patterns

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of an extensive dataset comprising 63 time series of swash flow velocity extracted from 15 previous studies, including both laboratory experiments and field observations. A consistent pattern in the swash flow time series is identified across the beachface profile, characterized by an approximately linear decrease around the flow reversal point, followed by a deviation point and subsequent deceleration. By defining two key transitional times as functions of the relative location along the beachface, a general form of swash flow is established. The swash flow behavior during the early uprush and late backwash phases, the influencing factors affecting the characteristics of swash flow velocity time series, and the cross-shore distribution of initial uprush velocity are further discussed. Based on this analysis, a general representation of the temporal-spatial evolution of swash flow velocity is proposed. These findings provide new insights into swash hydrodynamics and offer a foundation for future quantitative parameterization of cross-shore swash flow processes.