Storm impact on barrier island subaerial morphology and subsequent recovery
Conference Paper
Overview
Identity
Additional Document Info
View All
Overview
abstract
Understanding the complex hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes associated with storm impact and subsequent recovery of barrier island systems is essential in developing appropriate coastal management strategies to protect these fragile resources. Measured morphology changes of the subaerial portions of a sediment-starved barrier island were analyzed using the process-based 2DH numerical morphodynamic model XBeach during hurricane impact, and LiDAR surveys covering five years of post-storm recovery. The recovered subaerial volume of the barrier island after five years exceeded prestorm volumes by up to 30%, suggesting that extreme events are necessary for barrier islands to sustain themselves in sediment-limited environments.