Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The geology of the Outer Banks is composed of a complex network of backfilled paleofluvial channels and interfluvial headlands. A thin veneer of reworked coastal sediment blankets the underlying geology of both the barrier island and the shoreface. The blanket of sand covering the shoreface is commonly removed, exposing the underlying geology. During its exposure, the underlying geology effects both nearshore sediment character and nearshore morphology. Previous work determined that the underlying geology influences both nearshore sediment character and nearshore morphology more during winter months (when average wave height is high) than during summer months (when average wave height is low). Through the study of a 250,000 m nearshore area north of the Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina, this study has found that underlying geology can heavily influence both nearshore sediment character and morphology during the summer months when wave energy is low. This was concluded by 1) sampling surface sediment across the nearshore zone, 2) studying the areas monthly bathymetric changes, 3) analyzing two vibracores taken from the field area, 4) studying a sub-bottom profile of the field area, and 5) studying a video image of the field area.
Date Awarded
2001
Department
Geology
Recommended Citation
Baldwin, Jesse H., "Influence of underlying geology on seasonal nearshore sediment character and morphology" (2001). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 72.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/72
