Takaaki Uda’s scientific contributions

Nearshore current and littoral transport around detached breakwaters were investigated through field observations on the Kaike Coast. Nearshore current velocity at 1 m above the sea bottom was observed by using electro-magnetic-type current meters installed at three locations. Littoral transport was traced by fluorescent-dyed sand. It was found that the bottom materials behind the detached breakwaters are carried through an opening toward the offshore zone under high wave conditions, whereas littoral transport meanders through the opening under calm sea conditions. The directions of littoral transport agreed well with those of nearshore current measured with the current meters. Although the littoral transport around the detached breakwaters is considerably active, tombolos formed behind them have been gradually growing over a long period.