A Multidisciplinary Investigation of Coastal System Response to Sea-Level Rise, Climate Dynamics, and Geomorphic Change Grant uri icon

abstract

  • There is considerable concern about coastal erosion in response to scenarios of future sea-level rise and increased tropical cyclone intensities. We propose to use observations and analyses of coastal stratigraphy and geomorphology, paleobathymetric models, geochemical proxies, and a physical oceanographic model (Delft3D) in northeastern North Carolina to understand past responses of the coastal system to changes in climate, geomorphology, and hydrodynamics. The modeling approach is based upon reconstruction of paleoenvironments and bathymetry within Pamlico Sound and Core Sound estuaries, based on seismic data, cores, microfossil assemblages, and geochemical proxies, temporally constrained by radiocarbon ages. The modern estuarine system has a microtidal range of approximately 0.1 m, due in part to the existence of the Outer Banks barrier islands. We hypothesize that barrier island segmentation during two intervals of Holocene time resulted in an astronomical tidal component substantially in excess of the modern system, with associated changes in tidal currents, sediment transport, and salinity. To understand the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic response of the system to geomorphic changes brought on by climate and sea-level conditions, we propose to develop paleobathymetric models of the APES system at specific time slices, and model the tidal effects (amplitude, currents, sediment transport, salinity) with Delft3D, using various representations of barrier island morphology, which are constrained by our geologic observations. These data will facilitate a better understanding of the past coastal system response to climate conditions, and the potential for future changes.

date/time interval

  • September 2011 - August 2016