Although waves are the primary cause of sediment resuspension in the nearshore zone, in existing theoretical models, long-scale currents induced by the mean wind are often taken to be the only agent for the diffusion and convection of resuspended sediments. We present here theoretical examples where waves play a direct role in all aspects of sediment transport. Details are given for the simple case where only waves are present; the wave-induced current and diffusivity are shown to be no less important than similar factors in the wind-driven current. Hence, in a comprehensive model, one should include not only the current forced directly by the mean wind, but also the current forced by waves which may or may not be forced by the local wind.¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union