WAVE-DRIVEN VORTEX PATTERNS AT AN OPEN BEACH

This contribution is structured in two parts: a concise summary of the key findings from the original study (Bonde- hagen et al. (2024)) and an exploration of some open-ended questions concerning tracer paths in the surfzone. The Boussinesq-type model BOSZ is validated against field measurements, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing wave-driven surf zone dynamics. The influence of tidal elevation, wave direction, and directional spread on vortex size and strength is examined, highlighting the interplay between wave propagation and bathymetry. Building on these find- ings, the remainder of this paper delves deeper into vortex behavior using Lagrangian tracers and presents preliminary insights into chaotic motion in the surf zone, further advancing our understanding of nearshore wave dynamics.