Date of Award
Fall 12-2013
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Department
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Major Professor
Ioannis Georgiou
Second Advisor
Mark Kulp
Third Advisor
Denise Reed
Abstract
This study examines wind generated waves during winter storms, their transformation/attenuation near the marsh edge, and the resulting saltmarsh edge erosion. A simple numerical model for wave generation, transmission and marsh edge erosion was developed and validated against observations from Lake Borgne, Louisiana. Results suggest that meteorological conditions modify the local water depth via wind or wave setup and atmospheric pressure, thus exerting a first order control on the location of wave attack, which in turn determines the type of wave forces (shear vs. impact) that dominate the erosion process. Scarp failure follows, at a location determined by water level, creating multiple erosive scarps and terraces. High measured erosion, likely due to marsh edge destabilization followed by subsequent frontal passage forces differential marsh erosion, exposing underlying substrate to further erosion. A conceptual model for marsh edge retreat is developed using these observations and supported further by model predictions.
Recommended Citation
Trosclair, Kevin J., "Wave transformation at a saltmarsh edge and resulting marsh edge erosion: observations and modeling" (2013). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1777.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1777
Included in
Geomorphology Commons, Other Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.