Impact of Savannah Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Project on Tybee Island Shelf and Shoreline
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine if the Savannah Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Project is adversely impacting the shores of Tybee Island (including sand lost from the beach and the Tybee shelf). The study methodology includes numerical modeling of waves, currents, water levels, and sediment transport rates and sediment budgets analysis for pre-project and post- project conditions. Sediment budgets were developed for the period 1854 to 1897 (pre-project) and 1897 to 2005/06/07 (post-project). The post-project bathymetry change shows a pattern of ebb shoal deflation on the Tybee shelf, which is a typical consequence of jetty construction and channel deepening. The ebb shoal deflation resulted from sediment pathways across the channel being disrupted. The major impact of the project is the loss of sand from the Tybee shelf. The ebb shoal deflation also resulted in shoreline change on Tybee Island, including erosion on the northern end of the island and accretion on the southern end of the island.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA480208
Entities
People
- Brian P Williams
- Donald K. Stauble
- Jane Mc Kee Smith
- Michael J. Wutkowski
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center