USAF Coastal Erosion Barter Island and Oliktok Pt
Abstract
Current studies show that USAF Oliktok and Barter Island Long Range Radar Sites (LRRS), Alaska are especially vulnerable to increased coastal erosion. The purpose of this project is to develop accurate predictive modeling of expected future coastal erosion at these sites on the North Slope in order to assess potential impacts to facility infrastructure. Based on recent surveys, open water periods appear to be lengthening and the current rate of erosion appears to be greater than linear regression modeling showed in the latest study. A more comprehensive predictive model of shoreline positions over the next 50-yr period is needed. This project will evaluate the effects of air and water heat transfer to nearshore waters, on coastal bluff faces, and on the beach, and thaw of coastal permafrost/ice using accepted sea surface temperature projections. In addition, the project will evaluate the effects of mechanical erosion from wave action and longshore and cross-shore sediment transport, analyze coastal geomorphology to understand permafrost distribution, ice content and sediment grain size, and evaluate shoreline vulnerability to storm surges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 23, 2018
- Source ID
- W911KB142000120
Entities
People
- Tana Myrstol
Organizations
- United States Air Force
- United States Army Corps of Engineers
- University of Alaska Anchorage