Morphological evolution of Shinnecock Inlet, New York.

摘要

Interpretations of historical aerial photographs were combined with an analysis of principal components of five bathymetric surveys, and numerical simulations of waves, tides, and sediment transport in order to discern the primary processes responsible for the evolution of Shinnecock Inlet, NY. The morphology of Shinnecock Inlet is a combination of relict and active features. Historically the position and orientation of the main channel has changed in response to temporal variations in wave climate and reversals in littoral transport.; Principal component analysis of bathymetric data collect in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2000 suggested recent changes in morphology were controlled by natural and anthropogenic alterations to the main channel. In addition to shifts in channel position there was significant changes in wave climate during this period. Numerical simulations indicated wave-generated currents deflected the ebb jet toward the east or west, a process that was instrumental in developing the morphology associated with the first principal component.; Between 1997 and 1998 increased wave activity from the east forced the westward migration of an updrift bar complex, which encroached on the channel and deflected the ebb-jet toward the west resulting in the growth of the bypass bar. Dredging in 1998 re-oriented the channel and directed the ebb-jet south. Increased wave activity from the west between 1998 and 2000 generated currents that shifted the ebb jet and deposition of sediment to the east of the inlet.