Estuarine Processes Coastal Hazards Active
Storm Erosion at Chincoteague Bay, Maryland
Extreme tides and coastal storms transfer high water levels to estuaries through natural and managed entrances. The size of the transfer depends on the duration of the event and the geomorphology of the estuary. We use observational data and modeling scenarios to understand and spatially map this transfer at our study sites.
Extreme water levels from spring tides and coastal storms propagate from ocean waters, through natural and managed inlets, to estuarine embayments. This propagation is modified by friction in the inlets and the duration of the high water event. Communities and infrastructure on the estuarine shoreline may experience higher water levels during these events. Changes in inlet configuration, duration of the storm, and bathymetry of the estuary modify the percentage of offshore water level transferred to the estuary. The transfer can be quantified with quality-controlled water level data and numerical models, and used to estimate the vulnerability of mainland infrastructure to coastal flooding. We have begun with in-depth analyses of changes to this transfer due to Hurricane Sandy, and are now extending these analyses by adding observational sites and applying numerical models for greater spatial coverage.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Observations and a linear model of water level in an interconnected inlet-bay system
Water level response in back-barrier bays unchanged following Hurricane Sandy
- Overview
Extreme tides and coastal storms transfer high water levels to estuaries through natural and managed entrances. The size of the transfer depends on the duration of the event and the geomorphology of the estuary. We use observational data and modeling scenarios to understand and spatially map this transfer at our study sites.
Extreme water levels from spring tides and coastal storms propagate from ocean waters, through natural and managed inlets, to estuarine embayments. This propagation is modified by friction in the inlets and the duration of the high water event. Communities and infrastructure on the estuarine shoreline may experience higher water levels during these events. Changes in inlet configuration, duration of the storm, and bathymetry of the estuary modify the percentage of offshore water level transferred to the estuary. The transfer can be quantified with quality-controlled water level data and numerical models, and used to estimate the vulnerability of mainland infrastructure to coastal flooding. We have begun with in-depth analyses of changes to this transfer due to Hurricane Sandy, and are now extending these analyses by adding observational sites and applying numerical models for greater spatial coverage.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Observations and a linear model of water level in an interconnected inlet-bay system
A system of barrier islands and back-barrier bays occurs along southern Long Island, New York, and in many coastal areas worldwide. Characterizing the bay physical response to water level fluctuations is needed to understand flooding during extreme events and evaluate their relation to geomorphological changes. Offshore sea level is one of the main drivers of water level fluctuations in semienclosAuthorsAlfredo Aretxabaleta, Neil K. Ganju, Bradford Butman, Richard P. SignellWater level response in back-barrier bays unchanged following Hurricane Sandy
On 28–30 October 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused severe flooding along portions of the northeast coast of the United States and cut new inlets across barrier islands in New Jersey and New York. About 30% of the 20 highest daily maximum water levels observed between 2007 and 2013 in Barnegat and Great South Bay occurred in 5 months following Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy provided a rare opportunityAuthorsAlfredo L. Aretxabaleta, Bradford Butman, Neil K. Ganju