HYDRODYNAMICS AND BEACH EROSION DURING STORMS ON DELAWARE BEACHES

Abstract

Coastal erosion is a major concern worldwide, but especially in places like Delaware where activities on the shoreline account for a large portion of the local economy. When waves and surge from large storms reach the coast, they erode dunes and berms. Data on the processes associated with erosion are scarce but are needed to determine how the beach profile changes throughout the storm. Knowledge of the erosive processes and timing is required to improve predictive models and enhance mitigation strategies. The goal of this research project is to quantify hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes occurring during storm events and use these data to understand the timing and severity of beach erosion.