Beach Erosion Study
Started: Aug
1999
Completed:
Dec 2002
Brief description:
This study was designed with the cooperation of the Beach Erosion
Committee of the SEG.
It was to:
- Develop computer models to describe the waves and currents in the
study area.
- Qualitatively and (to the practical extent) quantitatively define
the historical bathymetry and shoreline changes that have occurred in
the study area including the development of the federal navigation
project and the construction of the jetties at the mouth of the
Savannah River.
- Qualitatively assess changes in mechanisms that control shoreline
accretion/erosion: incident wave energy, currents, sediment supply, and
shoreline hardening (e.g., seawalls, groin fields, etc.).
- Use computer modeling to describe the existing conditions that
influence sediment transport in the area, including incident wave
energy and currents. Use the modeling results and historic change
analysis to develop a sediment budget for the study area.
- Use computer modeling to determine effects to the local wave and
current conditions caused by the proposed channel deepening.
Utilizing the projected effects to the wave and current conditions,
quantify the potential impact of the proposed channel deepening.
Any effects of the proposed deepening on the nearshore and inlet
sediment budget will also be identified.
The draft study report was reviewed by representatives chosen by the
City of Tybee
Island and the GA Department of Natural Resources. These reviewers
provided comments that
were evaluated for incorporation into the final report. The comments
are available for
review here:
City of Tybee Island reviewer comments
GA DNR reviewer comments
Current status:
The Independent Technical Review has produced irreconciliable
comments and the will be administratively closed. Additional
coastal erosion analysis is being conducted to supplement the work done
for the Beach Erosion Study. This work will provide the additional
information needed by the Savananh Harbor Expansion Project. A
description of this additional analysis work is being prepared and will
be posted as soon as it is available.
Links:
Beach
Erosion Study Scope of
Work
Beach
Erosion
Study Report