RSM Tool: Depth of Closure Fact Sheet

<div>Depth of closure (DOC) is an important concept used in coastal engineering. The DOC is a theoretical depth along a beach profile where sediment transport is very small or non-existent, dependent on wave height and period, and occasionally, sediment grain size. More specifically, Kraus et al. (1998) state that the &quot;depth of closure for a given or characteristic time interval is the most landward depth seaward of which there is no significant change in bottom elevation and no significant net sediment transport between the nearshore and the offshore.&quot; Often the DOC is used in coastal engineering design for projects such as beach and nearshore berm nourishments, and jetty and navigation channel designs. The dataset provided here estimates DOCs for all of the coast lines of the United States, including the Great Lakes, using the USACE Wave Information Study (WIS) wave hindcast data. A CHETN detailing methods used to produce the dataset is provided as well.</div>