Survey System to Measure Bathymetry and Morphological Evolution on Macrotidal Mud Flats
Abstract
Funds were requested for a survey system to measure bathymetry and morphological evolution on macrotidal flats. The survey system was used in conjunction with an array of current meters, pressure gages, CTDs, and anemometers to provide field observations to calibrate, evaluate, and improve both research and operational models for circulation, sediment transport, and morphological change on tidal flats. In addition, the survey measurements provided ground truth for remote sensing studies, and background information for other investigations of fluid and sediment processes. There are few measurements of the morphological evolution of the muddy bottoms found on most macrotidal flats, at least partly owing to the difficulty of collecting data in this shallow-water environment. However, recently developed techniques, including LIDAR and GPS-based sensors allow the bathymetry to be mapped from near the high-tide line to the deep edge of tidal flats. Bathymetric surveys are necessary to develop and test numerical model simulations of the behavior of large-scale macrotidal flats in response to currents and riverine flows. The survey system requested here will expand existing capabilities substantially by enabling investigations of the processes leading to evolution of macrotidal mud flats. Undergraduate fellows, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers will utilize the survey system in student projects, thesis research, publications, and presentations at national and international meetings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 12, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA530402
Entities
People
- Steve Elgar
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology