Bathymetric control of Holocene spit migration in a lacustrine environment

Wave processes are well known for developing spit systems in large or elongated lakes by inducing longshore sediment transport for spit migration, while
bathymetric interaction is less studied. In this study, we investigate the combined effects of wave processes, antecedent topography and lake level changes
on the development of Holocene spit systems in the Danish lake Mossø. Wave climate prediction and a digital elevation model were used to provide a
conceptual model for the development of the spits system, while optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of spit sand and antecedent topography
analyzed via boreholes and seismic survey data were used to evaluate effects on spit migration other than wave setting. We found that spit migration
stagnated during the Holocene when reaching areas of deeper waters, but continued following shallowing after deep basin infilling with lacustrine
sediments. During periods of bathymetrically induced stagnation of prominent spits, less stable or more slowly migrating spits became prominent in the
development of the spit system. No clear effects on spit migration caused by lake level fluctuations could be demonstrated. However, such fluctuations
may have been important for the stabilization of spits and subsequent development of a major barrier shoreline