Sediment Distribution in Southwestern Delaware Bay.

Abstract

Upward and landward migration of sedimentary environments during the Holocene marine transgression has resulted in complex sediment distribution patterns in southwestern Delaware Bay. Analyses of 'thin-skin' surface samples using CM diagrams (Passega), sediment population analysis (Visher) and bathymetric relationships, indicate major processes contributing to the observed sedimentary distribution pattern: deposition from suspension in quiet water is occurring in Breakwater Harbor; well sorted sand deposits are being formed by the winnowing action of waves on top of the shoals in the open estuary in the northern portion of the study area; and strong tractive currents appear to be the dominant force controlling grain size distribution on The Shears, large shoal areas near the mouth of Delaware Bay. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0750714

Entities

People

  • Richard N. Strom

Organizations

  • University of Delaware

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bays
  • Breakwaters
  • Delaware
  • Delaware Bay
  • Environment
  • Grain Size
  • Migration
  • Sediments

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science
  • Geology

Readers

  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering.