Engineering Analysis of Beach Erosion at Homer Spit, Alaska.
Abstract
The cause of coastal erosion along the Homer Spit on lower Cook Inlet, Alaska, was identified and potential long-term means of erosion control were recommended. The limited wind and wave data available for the region were subsequently collected and statistically analyzed. Deepwater wave forecasts were performed based on the wind statistics. A finite difference numerical model of the nearshore areas of the Homer spit and adjacent beaches at low tide was applied to predict refraction, diffraction and shoaling of the forecast deepwater waves. The model was also applied to predict breaker characteristics, expected longshore energy flux, and sediment transport rates at low tide. Beach sample size gradation data along and across the Spit shoreline were statistically analyzed, revealing trends which point toward the probable geological evolution of the Spit. Results from the sediment analysis also allowed the numerical model to predict net expected annual longshore sediment transport rates along 11 miles of shoreline.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA165132
Entities
People
- Jane M. Smith
- Joan Pope
- Mary A. Cialone
- Orson P. Smith
- Todd L. Walton
Organizations
- Coastal Engineering Research Center