Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences

First Advisor

Lee E. Harris

Second Advisor

Edward H. Kalajian

Third Advisor

Eric D. Thoseson

Fourth Advisor

Andrew Zborowski

Abstract

This research examines the short-term mean high water (MHW) shoreline and sand volume changes for 4.3-miles of coastline in Northern Indian River County, Florida. Eighteen surveys covering 47 profile lines surveyed from the dune to wading depth were performed from 8/21/00 to 11/23/02. Wind, wave, and water level data were used to determine the effects of individual storm events. The primary objective was to analyze the profile line changes for the study region. Shoreline and sand volume changes were computed and compared to the proximity to Sebastian Inlet, the location and width of the nearshore reef, and the differing directions and intensities of the storm events that affected the coastline between survey dates. Beach profile geomorphology varied along this stretch of coastline, with steeper slopes and narrower dunes from north to south. MHW shoreline and volume changes showed cyclic patterns of erosion and accretion, from relatively stable areas to the most volatile regions with changes from over 60 feet of accretion and over 60 feet of erosion. The differences between these zones reflect the effects of the nearshore reef. The MHW shoreline and volume changes showed similar trends; however, differences in both magnitudes and directions occurred. Beach fill projects also affected the profile changes. Analysis of wave data showed that the northeasters generally caused the most erosion, the southeasters caused the most accretion, and the easterly storm event was the most intense and most erosive storm during the 27- month period for this study region.

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