Date of Award
Spring 5-2016
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Department
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Major Professor
Dr. Mark Kulp
Second Advisor
Dr. Ioannis Georgiou
Third Advisor
Dr. Klaus Meyer-Arendt
Abstract
West Belle Pass Barrier is a barrier spit that formed during the last delta lobe progradation associated with the Lafourche delta complex. Located on the western flank of the Caminada-Moreau Headland, West Belle Pass Barrier and Raccoon Pass are located downdrift of the Belle Pass jetties. Morphological changes stemming from storms, jetty infrastructure, and an expanding tidal inlet are evaluated using historical shoreline data and imagery. Littoral transport around the jetties combined with inlet growth created a framework wherein sediment is transported through Raccoon Pass and sequestered as a flood-tidal delta. These events aided in the landward migration of West Belle Pass Barrier, which ultimately loaded and consolidated previously unconsolidated facies. A conceptual model illustrating the primary consolidation of backbarrier facies resulting from washover deposits during one storm is presented. The primary consolidation settlement associated with loading near-surface, water-saturated backbarrier facies is substantially larger than current subsidence rates.
Recommended Citation
Kramer, John N. III, "Barrier spit evolution and primary consolidation of backbarrier facies: West Belle Pass Barrier, LA" (2016). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 2214.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2214
Included in
Geology Commons, Geomorphology Commons, Soil Science 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.