Observations of Beach Cusp Evolution at Melbourne Beach, Florida, USA
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-2011
Keywords
beach cusps, S-Transform, multi-scale, geomorphology, accretion, erosion
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.01.019
Abstract
Morphological observations (terrestrial laser scanning) and sediment analysis are used to study beach cusp morphodynamics at Melbourne Beach (Florida, USA), a moderately sloped beach characterized by fine sand. The study couples rapid high-resolution surveying with surficial sediment sampling over multiple tidal cycles. Surveys were run ~ 500 m alongshore and sediment samples were collected intertidally over a period of 5 days. Beach cusp location within larger scale beach morphology is shown to directly influence cusp growth as either gross erosional or gross accretional. Sediment characteristics within the beach cusp morphology are reported coincident with cusp evolution. Variations in particle size distribution kurtosis are exhibited as the cusps evolve, however no significant correlation is seen between grain size and position between horn and embayment. During the end of the study, a storm resulted in beach cusp destruction and increased sediment sorting.
Rights Information
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Geomorphology, v. 129, issues 1-2, p. 131-140
Scholar Commons Citation
van Gaalen, Joseph F.; Kruse, Sarah; Coco, Giovanni; Collins, Lori; and Doering, Travis, "Observations of Beach Cusp Evolution at Melbourne Beach, Florida, USA" (2011). School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications. 916.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/geo_facpub/916
