Acoustic measurement and modeling of the vertical distribution of suspended sediment driven by waves and currents (M.S. Engineering Thesis)

Abstract

With the rapid growth and development of barrier islands, understanding the long-term stability of these islands is an integral part of future coastal planning. The overwash process is the largest influence on the long-term stability of these islands and thus a corresponding understanding is of major importance. A laboratory experiment was undertaken to physically model the wave and current forcing as they pertain to the overwash process. The physical model was subjected to various storm conditions common to the occurrence of the overwash. Combinations of wave height, wave period, and overwash depth were tested in an attempt to isolate the significant parameters. Water surface gradients were also applied to observe their influence on the overwash process. Wave height, current, and bed profile measurements were taken at different locations throughout the tank. In addition, wave height transformation modeling and mean current prediction were performed and compared to the laboratory results in an attempt to model the overwash process through computer simulations. (Document has 132 pages)