In connection with a planned harbour off Bakkafjara which is meant to serve as a ferry connection to the Westman Islands DHI were commissioned to investigate the morphological impacts.

Bakkafjara is located along the southern coast of Iceland. The area is characterised by high waves that can reach heights of nearly 25m. A river located next to Bakkafjara supplies large amounts of sand every year. The sand supply to the coastline determines how far the delta protrudes. The wave direction then determines whether the sand in the delta is pushed to the east or to the west. If the supply is huge, the delta protrudes far and the spit can grow extensively during events with waves coming from SE.

The main focus has been the following morphological aspects:

• Overall stability of the outer bar including a depression in the bar and a pit-type (deep trough) morphological feature
• Sedimentation rates in the harbour
• Equilibrium depth in front of the entrance

The detailed studies indicate that a minimum water depth at the harbour entrance seem possible provided a proper layout. Likewise, the study points to the conclusion that the bar formation is in a dynamic equilibrium with the forcing which has been present for the past decades. It may be critical for the planned development if significant changes in the dominant wave direction or the discharge of sediment due to global climatic changes will occur.