In situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements during extreme storm events

Abstract

Wave forcing from hurricanes, nor’easters, and energetic storms can cause erosion of the berm and beach face resulting in increased vulnerability of dunes and coastal infrastructure. LIDAR or other surveying techniques have quantified post-event morphology, but there is a lack of in situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements during extreme storm events. Two successful field studies were conducted in March 2018 and April 2019 at Bethany Beach, Delaware where in situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements were made during a nor’easter (Nor’easter Riley) and an energetic storm (Easter Eve Storm). An array of sensors to measure water velocity, water depth, water elevation and bed elevation were mounted to scaffold pipes and deployed in a single cross-shore transect. GPS profiles of the beach face were measured during every day-time low tide throughout the storm events. Calibration of the popular numerical model, XBeach, was performed using the collected in situ field data during Nor’easter Riley.