Geoacoustic Study of Delaware Atlantic Coast from Cape Henlopen to Fenwick Island.

Abstract

A comprehensive geoacoustic study has been performed for a 3-mile-wide area offshore of the Delaware coast between Cape Henlopen and Fenwick Island for the purpose of defining the limits of available granular materials. The work was performed in support of the U.S. Army Engineer District, Philadelphia's, feasibility study for shore protection solutions for the Atlantic coast of Delaware. Specifically, the objective of this investigation was to quantify the bottom and subbottom sediments in terms of in situ density, mean grain size, and soil type from the seafloor surface to a depth of about 20 ft below the bottom, where possible, providing initial estimates of the sediment characteristics related to their potential use as beachfill material. A high-resolution acoustic reflection technique was used to quantitatively assess the characteristics of the naturally occurring mine sediments. Analysis of 3,500- and 1,000-Hz seismic reflection data in conjunction with vibracore sampling data from selected sites throughout the Delaware coast study area has been completed. The seismic data were correlated with the laboratory analysis of the sample data through acoustic impedance and acoustic absorption analysis. This being a reconnaissance level study, the results are not intended to assess the suitability of any marine sediment as beach quality material; rather the results are intended to pinpoint areas for further detailed investigations. (MM)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1995
Accession Number
ADA304636

Entities

People

  • Richard G. Mcgee

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Impedance
  • Acoustic Properties
  • Acoustic Reflection
  • Acoustic Waves
  • Acoustics
  • Engineers
  • Grain Size
  • Granular Materials
  • High Resolution
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Reflection
  • Seabed
  • Seismic Reflection
  • Shore Protection
  • Standards
  • Topography

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

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