This paper uses Photo-Electronic Erosion Pin (PEEP) data and measurements o
f sediment dynamics on an active inter-tidal bank to determine the signific
ance of changes in tidal range, sediment availability and meteorological co
nditions on sediment accretion and erosion. The results show how sediment a
ccumulates on the upper bank at a rate of up to 50 mm per tide in response
to increased suspended sediment concentrations during spring tides. However
, sedimentary processes differ on the lon er bank as deposition occurs appr
oaching spring tides, only to be eroded by high boundary shear stresses gen
erated by the flow as tidal range increases to a maximum. Erosion from the
upper bank appears to be dominated by wind-induced wave activity which dest
abilises the transient, active sediment layer. These results have implicati
ons for evaluating the behaviour and residence times of sediment and pollut
ants within the estuarine system, the impact of the turbidity maximum on th
e recirculation of sedimentary deposits, and the significance of wave activ
ity on erosion processes in inter-tidal zones. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Lt
d. All rights reserved.