Evaluating Aeolian Sand Transport Vectors In Dune Blowouts
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Date
2013-02-13
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Abstract
Grain size distribution is the reflection of the feedback between sediment transport system and morphologic change of beach systems. In this respect, early models suggest that grain size can be used to determine the transport vectors. However, recent evidence suggests this model is inaccurate in coastal systems, because the sediment supply on a beach tends to be limited. Accurate transport models can provide valuable information to predict accretion, erosion, and sediment movement. This study examines whether spatial variation in grain size distributions varies with respect to\ the underlying morphology, and can therefore be used to determine the transport vectors as suggested by the earlier models. Specifically, grain size statistics were spatially sampled across a dune blowout system at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas. Sediment samples were taken in five transects across a dune blowout system to analyze the sediment variability in this coastal system. Sieved samples were processed through GRADISTAT to determine grain size distribution, sorting, and skewness. Results suggest transport vectors do not relate to the underlying morphology and therefore grain size distribution cannot be used to determine transport vectors.
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grain size distribution, sediment variability, dune blowout, Padre Island National Seashore, sediment transport model