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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/38144| Title: | Framework geology of Cape Shoalwater and northwest Willapa Bay, Washington : assessing potential geologic impacts on recent shoreline change |
| Authors: | Wadman, Heidi M. McNinch, Jesse E. Smith, S. Jarrell |
| Keywords: | Beach erosion Geology Geomorphology Sedimentation and deposition Sediment transport Shorelines Willapa Bay (Wash.) |
| Publisher: | Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.) |
| Series/Report no.: | Special Report (Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)) ; no. ERDC/CHL SR-20-4 |
| Abstract: | The shoreline along Cape Shoalwater and northwest Willapa Bay has experienced the highest rates of erosion along the entire Pacific Coast of the United States, due in part to rapid northward migration of the navigation channel. Recently, channel migration and shoreline erosion in this region have slowed, but the cause of this relative stabilization, and thus the longevity of these new patterns, is unknown. Given the complex neotectonics and geologic framework of the southern coast of Washington, it is possible that underlying, erosion-resistant geologic units have become exposed along the channel and/or in the nearshore, and are acting to reduce or halt channel migration and/or shoreline erosion. Conversely, the apparent reduction may be due to subtle, short-term changes in regional hydrodynamics and/or sediment transport, and thus future rates of channel migration and/or shoreline erosion might increase back to historical rates. The purpose of this special report is to detail the geologic and neotectonic framework of the northern Willapa Bay region, and determine how the underlying framework geology might be impacting channel stability and adjacent shoreline erosion rates. Suggested research questions to quantify potential geologic control are also presented, including the potential benefits of the research to the district. |
| Description: | Special Report |
| Gov't Doc #: | ERDC/CHL SR-20-4 |
| Rights: | Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited |
| URI: | https://hdl.handle.net/11681/38144 http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/38144 |
| Size: | 30 pages / 3.41 MB |
| Types of Materials: | |
| Appears in Collections: | Special Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ERDC-CHL SR-20-4.pdf | 3.41 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |