Comparisons between acoustic measurements and predictions of the bedload transport of marine gravels

Continuous, detailed records of marine gravel transport have been obtained acoustically and compared with bedload transport rates (qb) predicted by five bedload transport equations using measurements of the near‐bed turbulent current flow. When mean flow data are used in these equations, total qb estimates are similar to those measured. However, when instantaneous flow data are used, total qb is over‐estimated by approximately one order‐of‐magnitude. Based on the acoustic measurements, an empirical equation has been obtained that gives accurate estimates of total qb over a tidal cycle and simulates well the intermittent characteristics of marine bedload transport.