Title

Sediment transport pathways along the Louisiana coast

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

12-1-1990

Abstract

Summary form only given. Satellite imagery of the Louisiana shelf has been analyzed to provide synoptic information on the circulation and sediment transport on the shelf. The movement of the fresh, turbid discharge is strongly coupled with the wind. The size and shape of the composite discharge plume from the Balize Delta is observed to be a function not only of the amount of fresh water discharge but also of the speed and direction of the wind. The plume enlarges with rising river stage, but the areal extent of the turbid water can be related to discharge only in a general way because of the concentration and dispersal effects produced by the wind. By analyzing Landsat imagery, it has been possible to relate the shape and orientation of this plume to synoptic weather conditions. Five such cases have been identified as representing most of the plume patterns. NOAA Environmental Satellite imagery provide a longer-term perspective on coastal change. Remotely sensed data sets are augmented with ground truth measurements of coastal configuration, sedimentology, and water quality. Based on these data, a general model of the effects of frontal passages on the coastal sediments has been developed.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Digest - International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS)

First Page

99

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