Utilizing Sediment Tracer Studies to Evaluate Transport Pathways at the Mouth of the Columbia River, USA
Abstract
During 2006 to 2009, two sediment tracer studies were implemented at the mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) to improve our understanding of littoral sediment transport pathways along the ocean margins of the inlet. Science-based data from these tracer studies is being integrated with other analysis methods to evaluate if dredged material can be preferentially placed within the coastal near shore to augment the sediment budget of the inlet and adjacent coastal margin. This paper summarizes the MCR tracer study methodology and results, with specific emphasis of how the general limitations for tracer studies were addressed and overcome. Results from these studies conclusively show that tracer particles released along the coastal margin of the MCR (at water depth of 13-14 meters) were transported into the active littoral zone of Oregon and Washington, with tracer deposition occurring on beaches. The results indicate that the sand-sized sediment at MCR is dispersed differently along the northern side of the inlet as compared to the southern side.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA578394
Entities
People
- Hans Moritz
- Jon Marsh
- Mark Siipola
- Michael Ott
- Russell Boudreau
- Trapier Puckette
Organizations
- Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers