Sedimentology of a hypertidal point bar (Mont‐Saint‐Michel Bay, north‐western France) revealed by combining lidar time‐series and sedimentary core data

A study of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay reveals that sediment accumulation on hypertidal point bars is more complex and variable than previously thought. The research, combining lidar time-series data with sediment core analysis, found that the thickest deposits and highest mud storage occur at the apex of the point bar due to low-energy conditions, rather than uniformly along its length. This challenges existing facies models by highlighting how depositional patterns alternate between seaward and landward sides, with rhythmic tidal deposits (rhythmites) preserved best in the apex zone. The findings underscore that sediment preservation is influenced not only by elevation relative to tidal range but also by location along the point bar.

Cosma, M., Lague, D., D’Alpaos, A., Leroux, J., Feldmann, B., & Ghinassi, M. (2021). Sedimentology of a hypertidal point bar (Mont‐Saint‐Michel Bay, north‐western France) revealed by combining lidar time‐series and sedimentary core data. Sedimentology, 69(3), 1179–1208. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.12942