Title

Fluid mud dynamics and shoreline stabilization: Louisiana Chenier Plain.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1981

Abstract

The coast of western Louisiana is presently receiving a new influx of fine-grained sediment from the Atchafalaya River to the east, the first such sediment pulse in recorded history. The major effect of this sediment, which accumulates as fluid mud in the nearshore and at the shoreline, is to attenuate incoming wave energy, thus providing conditions favourable for further sedimentation. Examination of colour infrared photography and comparison of aerial and ground observations since 1969 indicate that mudflat sedimentation is increasing and appears to be moving to the west. When muds move ashore and begin to dewater after becoming 'shore attached', they gain strength rapidly and can resist subsequent fair-weather wave scour if their bulk density exceeds 1.20-1.25 g/cm SUP 3. The paper attempts to give understanding of why and how these fluid muds accumulate and move subaqueously which may provide us with the ability to predict areas of future erosion and accretion along the western Louisiana shoreline. (from authors' abstract)

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

IN: PROC. SEVENTEENTH COASTAL ENGNG. CONF., (SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: MAR.23-28, 1980)

First Page

1382

Last Page

1401

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