Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/27262
Title: Wave characteristics and sediment resuspension by recreational vessels in coastal plain saltmarshes
Authors: Hartman, Michael A.
Styles, Richard
Keywords: Boats and boating--Environmental aspects
Hydrodynamics
Salt marshes--Erosion
Suspended sediments
Water waves
Coastal Inlets Research Program (U.S.)
Publisher: Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Technical Report (Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)) ; no. ERDC/CHL TR-18-5
Abstract: The characteristics of vessel-generated waves can form an integral component of navigation studies in coastal and inland waterways. In vulnerable areas, such as coastal wetlands, vessel wake can be a primary cause of shoreline erosion. While a few studies have investigated the role of commercial vessels operating in navigation channels adjacent to coastal marshes, little has been done regarding the role of recreational craft operating within the marsh interior. To gain further insight into the characteristics of vessel-generated waves, this study measured flow, turbulence, wave-generated currents, suspended sediment concentration, and particle size distribution in an inter-tidal salt marsh with significant tidal influence. The results are used to develop empirical equations of sediment concentration and settling velocity and to apply these equations to an existing vessel wake model. The utility of the model is demonstrated by calculating the energy dissipation due to vessels and comparing the result to the equivalent tidal energy. The cumulative energy dissipation due to vessels reveals how this information can be used to help manage recreational vessel traffic in tide-dominated coastal plain salt-marshes and extend the results of this study to a wider range of forcing conditions.
Description: Technical Report
Gov't Doc #: ERDC/CHL TR-18-5
Rights: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/27262
http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/27262
Appears in Collections:Technical Report
Technical Report

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