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A numerical solution to periodic nonlinear irrotational surface gravity waves on a horizontal sea floor is developed using an iterative Boundary Integral Equation Method (BIEM). This solution technique is subsequently applied to determine the characteristics of limit waves for which the wave crest theoretically ceases to be rounded and become angled with an included angle of 120°. The analysis includes waves with and without mean currents and can also be used to estimate the wave set‐down. Solutions with zero mean current are parameterized as functions of relative water depth and presented in graphs. In the cases with current, the results are given in terms of the relative water depth and a dimensionless current speed.

The hydrodynamic exchange in this barrier island lagoon that has been highly modified by dredging and causeway construction is analyzed using field measurements and numerical models. Based on the field observations, a nested numerical modeling approach is adapted to determine the tidal and winddriven flow and circulation. The nesting of one‐ and two‐dimensional models provides an efficient solution method without sacrificing predictive ability or resolution. Alternatives for enhancing hydrodynamic transport and circulation by modifying the geometry of the bay are evaluated and residence times for present conditions are determined.

The use of synoptic atlases of wave climatologies for determining shore line evolution is examined critically. It is concluded that the fineness of discretization of wave height is not too important, as long as energy is conserved, but a fine discretization of wave angle is needed. Due to importance of order of sequential wave events or time history of the wave input, a Monte Carlo simulation of the wave climatology is proposed to determine shore line location probabilistically instead of deterministically.