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Title: COASTAL SYSTEM VARIABILITY OF THE BEACH-NEARSHORE ENVIRONMENT FROM NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCES.
Creator: Brown, Nicholas, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The coastal system provides habitat, storm protection, and economic value. In particular, Florida’s beaches are subject to chronic coastal erosion resulting from natural and anthropogenic influences. The most common mitigation response is the nature-based solution of beach nourishment. While this method is widely considered effective, quantifying changes from the dredge and placement on the physical environment is critical to ensure best management practices. The first step in addressing the...
Show moreThe coastal system provides habitat, storm protection, and economic value. In particular, Florida’s beaches are subject to chronic coastal erosion resulting from natural and anthropogenic influences. The most common mitigation response is the nature-based solution of beach nourishment. While this method is widely considered effective, quantifying changes from the dredge and placement on the physical environment is critical to ensure best management practices. The first step in addressing the need to identify gaps in knowledge relating to natural and human-induced changes to the continental shelf, a comprehensive literature review of the US East and Gulf coast continental shelves was conducted identifying needs for more expansive sand searches, a greater understanding of storm impacts on shelf morphodynamics, planning for long-term use of offshore sediment sources, and the impact of dredging on habitats. This study then evaluated the northern Palm Beach County beaches adjacent to the Jupiter Inlet over multiple years to understand the effects of natural and human influence on the morphology and sedimentology of the beach-nearshore environment. Beach sediment was coarser near the Inlet and finer downdrift (south). Seasonal changes in the nearshore from storms decreased the grain size and eroded beaches, whereas nourishment increased grain size and expanded beach width. Influences of physical characteristics of the beach-nearshore environment on the ecosystem were examined based on two important marine species: loggerhead sea turtles and blacktip sharks. No adverse impacts from restoration activities were found on loggerhead reproductive success. However, the active 2020 hurricane season resulted in lower reproductive success metrics. The blacktip shark migration coincides with the typical nourishment construction window. High turbidity in the nearshore was documented in association with multiple nourishment events during the two-year study. The blacktip sharks were quantified in the nearshore south of the nourishment; however, whether the turbidity was influencing the shark aggregates or habitat preference remains unknown. These results support numerous benefits of beach nourishment but suggest further research is needed to evaluate how project construction may impact nearshore fauna. The findings of this study are important for coastal managers who may consider reviewing best management practices of the beach-nearshore system.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013982
Subject Headings: Coastal zone management, Beach nourishment, Coastal zone management--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: LONG-TERM NATIONAL & REGIONAL BEACH NOURISHMENT TRENDS & DRIVERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR COASTAL RESILIENCE.
Creator: Palaparthi, Jyothirmayi, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: With the escalating challenges posed by global warming, sea-level rise, and natural disasters like hurricanes and tropical storms, coastal erosion has become a critical issue along the US coasts. The economic significance of U.S. coastlines, multitude of services offered by these coastal areas, underscores the critical importance of addressing the threats posed by both natural and human-induced factors that lead to erosion and coastal loss. To enhance future planning and to promote resilience...
Show moreWith the escalating challenges posed by global warming, sea-level rise, and natural disasters like hurricanes and tropical storms, coastal erosion has become a critical issue along the US coasts. The economic significance of U.S. coastlines, multitude of services offered by these coastal areas, underscores the critical importance of addressing the threats posed by both natural and human-induced factors that lead to erosion and coastal loss. To enhance future planning and to promote resilience of these invaluable coastal resources, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategies employed to mitigate coastal erosion in response to the diverse array of driving forces. A widely embraced solution to this erosion, caused by both natural forces and human activities, is beach nourishment. Historical assessments of beach nourishment at the regional level have been conducted, however, there remains a gap in national-level analysis examining the overarching trends and the diverse factors that impact these trends. This study aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on beach nourishment practices encompassing 16 coastal states, including the top ten highly nourished states, and an additional six states selected from various coastal regions. It delves into the multifaceted factors that shape these practices, offering a holistic understanding of the beach nourishment landscape at a national level. An extensive analysis of beach nourishment trends and the influence of factors such as sea level rise, storms, hurricanes, hurricane categories, and coastal management approval years on beach nourishment activities was conducted.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014309
Subject Headings: Beach nourishment, Coastal zone management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An evaluation of the microbiological quality of sandy beaches: A novel approach.
Creator: Mohammed, Renuka Lisa, Florida Atlantic University, Esiobu, Nwadiuto
Abstract/Description: A novel, 'near-real' time technique; peptide nucleic acid chemilumiscent in situ hybridization (PNA CISH), was developed and validated for detecting, enumerating and identifying potential indicators (Staphyloccus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of beach quality. To understand the dynamics of bacterial indicators a plethora of physical, chemical and biological parameters were tested under field and lab conditions. Escherichia coli tagged with green fluorescence protein (GFP) was used to...
Show moreA novel, 'near-real' time technique; peptide nucleic acid chemilumiscent in situ hybridization (PNA CISH), was developed and validated for detecting, enumerating and identifying potential indicators (Staphyloccus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of beach quality. To understand the dynamics of bacterial indicators a plethora of physical, chemical and biological parameters were tested under field and lab conditions. Escherichia coli tagged with green fluorescence protein (GFP) was used to assess the impact of wave energy and rainfall on seawater counts. PNA CISH and plate counts correlated strongly (r = 0.94 to r = 0.86). Temperature, salinity, nutrient availability and predation significantly influenced the survival of indicators. Rainfall and wave energy affected the re-suspension of bacteria from sand onto overlying water. Overall PNA CISH provides a reliable rapid method for beach monitoring. The implications of beach topography and sampling time on the numbers of Clostridium perfringens and other potential indicators are discussed. Data suggest a revision of policy for tropical sandy beaches.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13117
Subject Headings: Coastal zone management, Coastal ecology, Sand dune ecology, Beaches
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Classification and evaluation of coastal water resources.
Creator: Naya, Albert, Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W.
Abstract/Description: Water Resources (WR) agencies have recently shifted to holistic management approaches that combine the use of watersheds and ecoregions as complimentary tools. However, the classification of data is based on land used and land cover detection. In contrast, this research is concerned with inferring WR quality from the landscape using satellite imagery and aerial photography combined with collateral data. To conduct the study, three major procedures were devised: (1) construction of a...
Show moreWater Resources (WR) agencies have recently shifted to holistic management approaches that combine the use of watersheds and ecoregions as complimentary tools. However, the classification of data is based on land used and land cover detection. In contrast, this research is concerned with inferring WR quality from the landscape using satellite imagery and aerial photography combined with collateral data. To conduct the study, three major procedures were devised: (1) construction of a classification system for regional coastal WR, (2) delineation of WR units based on the interpretation of water quality parameters (e.g. land use/cover, soil, vegetation, etc.), and (3) development and implementation of a water quality rating system. The results showed that this technique can be utilized effectively to monitor WR. The distribution of beneficial water quality was correlated with anthopogenic activities and modifications. Temporal events such as sea surface temperature had a short, but detrimental impact on water quality.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15655
Subject Headings: Water resources development, Coastal zone management, Water quality
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparison of the spatiotemporal variability of dredge material at two inletadjacent beaches.
Creator: Scheinkman, Austin, Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: This study analyzed two different inlet management strategies being utilized in Palm Beach County and compared how the downdrift beaches were affected by those strategies throughout the year. Cross-sectional beach profiles, Digital Elevation Model comparisons, and subaerial volumetric change were analyzed for patterns in postplacement beach morphology. Trends in cross- and alongshore grainsize were also analyzed. In Boca Raton the inlet was dredged multiple times a month depending on the...
Show moreThis study analyzed two different inlet management strategies being utilized in Palm Beach County and compared how the downdrift beaches were affected by those strategies throughout the year. Cross-sectional beach profiles, Digital Elevation Model comparisons, and subaerial volumetric change were analyzed for patterns in postplacement beach morphology. Trends in cross- and alongshore grainsize were also analyzed. In Boca Raton the inlet was dredged multiple times a month depending on the level of infilling and the material was placed on the beach immediately downdrift of the inlet. The downdrift beach of the Boca Raton inlet underwent a cycle of shoreline advance in the summer and shoreline retreat in the winter. It was dominated by seasonal processes and its morphologic change was the direct result of shifts in the wind and waves without having a beach more than 60 to 80 meters over the course of the study. In Jupiter, the inlet was dredged on a near annual basis and the material was placed 600m south of the inlet. The size and scope of the larger one-time annual nourishment project resulted in beach widths upwards of 120 meters. The equilibration process that followed in both the cross- and alongshore are what dominated the morphological trends experienced at the site. The results of this study should help coastal managers without current inlet management strategies, compare and overview two different successful inlet management options. For future studies, researchers should extend the monitoring period and extend profiles to the depth of closure to capture. Sediment is a valuable resource, and it’s important for best management practices to maximize benefits and protect downdrift beaches for long-term resiliency of coastal communities.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014010
Subject Headings: Inlets, Coastal zone management, Sediment, Beaches--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of sea level rise on Juncus Roemerianus in a high nutrient environment.
Creator: Abbott, Cara J., Berry, Leonard, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: As sea levels continue to rise, the projected damage that will ensue presents a great challenge for conservation and management of coastal ecosystems in Florida. Since Juncus roemerianus is a common marsh plant throughout Florida with unique growing characteristics that make it a popular restoration plant, this study implemented a 20 week greenhouse split plot experiment to examine the effects of sea level rise on J. roemerianus and ultimately determine its tolerance ranges to salinity and...
Show moreAs sea levels continue to rise, the projected damage that will ensue presents a great challenge for conservation and management of coastal ecosystems in Florida. Since Juncus roemerianus is a common marsh plant throughout Florida with unique growing characteristics that make it a popular restoration plant, this study implemented a 20 week greenhouse split plot experiment to examine the effects of sea level rise on J. roemerianus and ultimately determine its tolerance ranges to salinity and inundation in a high nutrient environment. Overall, salinity level and the interaction effect of salinity level and water level had the greatest effects on measured growth parameters including average mature height, maximum height, density, basal area, root length, and biomass. An inverse relationship between increasing salinity and the measured growth variables was observed with the greatest growth and survivability in 0 ppt water, survivability and reduced growth in 20 ppt water, survivability and little growth in 30 ppt water, and nearly complete senesce in 40 ppt water. This was the first laboratory study to determine the effect of 40 ppt water on J. roemerianus. Elevated water levels resulted in higher growth variables in the 20 ppt, 30 ppt, and 40 ppt treatments while inundated water levels produced higher growth variables in the 0 ppt treatment despite previous research finding inundation to have completely adverse effects on J. roemerianus. It is likely that the high nutrient environment provided for this study is the cause for this anomaly. The results of this study have major implications for the future of coastal ecosystems that are dominated by stands of J. roemerianus in South Florida and can be used in conjunction with studies on bordering marsh plants to predict shifts in the ecosystems of Florida that are responding to sea level rise scenarios.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004426
Subject Headings: Coastal ecology, Coastal zone management, Jucus roemerianus, Plant ecophysiology, Salt marsh ecology, Sea level
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Use of Multiple Tracers to Determine the Impact of Septic Tanks on the Water Quality of Urban and Rural Coastal Environments.
Creator: Bocca, Thais Sepulveda, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Multiple tracers, such as DO, ammonia, TN, TOC, E. coli, TC, and Enterococcus were analyzed in order to identify and characterize trends in coastal water quality. This study focused on three factors; wastewater disposal and treatment alternative; season; and human population density. Samples were collected in representative sites of urban Broward County and of rural Taylor County, FL, for pair-wise comparison. Sites included areas connected to the public sewer network and served by on-site...
Show moreMultiple tracers, such as DO, ammonia, TN, TOC, E. coli, TC, and Enterococcus were analyzed in order to identify and characterize trends in coastal water quality. This study focused on three factors; wastewater disposal and treatment alternative; season; and human population density. Samples were collected in representative sites of urban Broward County and of rural Taylor County, FL, for pair-wise comparison. Sites included areas connected to the public sewer network and served by on-site treatment and disposal system (OSTDS). Sampling activities were conducted through seasonal low and seasonal high water table elevation (SLWT and SHWT), and always on slack to outgoing tide. Different statistical tests were performed, including: t-Tests, correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results suggested that water quality is lower: in urban sites compared to rural sites; in OSTDS sites compared to sewered areas; and SHWT compared to SLWT.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012505
Subject Headings: Water quality management--Florida, Coastal zone management--Florida, Environmental monitoring--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Storm-Induced Neashore Sediment Transport.
Creator: Warren, William F., Briggs, Tiffany Roberts, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Each year storms impact coastal areas, sometimes causing significant morphologic change. Cold fronts are associated with increased wave energy and frequently occur during the winter months along many coasts, such as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The higher wave energy can be responsible for a large quantity of the sediment transport resulting in rapid morphologic change. Using streamer traps, the vertical distribution of onshore-directed sediment transport during two different cold fronts...
Show moreEach year storms impact coastal areas, sometimes causing significant morphologic change. Cold fronts are associated with increased wave energy and frequently occur during the winter months along many coasts, such as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The higher wave energy can be responsible for a large quantity of the sediment transport resulting in rapid morphologic change. Using streamer traps, the vertical distribution of onshore-directed sediment transport during two different cold fronts on two low-wave energy beaches (i.e., along the northern Yucatan and southeast Florida) were compared with the resulting morphologic change. The objectives of this study are to: 1) analyze the grain size distribution (statistics) of sediment transported during a cold front, 2) compare the vertical sediment distribution throughout the water column, and 3) compare characteristics of bed sediment to the sediment within the water column. Understanding the changing grain size distribution of bottom sediments in comparison to directional transport (throughout the water column) should help determine the sediment fraction(s) being eroded or deposited, which could greatly improve predictions of storm-induced morphology change.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004830, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004830
Subject Headings: Coast changes--Mathematical models., Coastal zone management., Geomorphology., Sediment transport--Analysis., Coastal engineering--Mathematical models.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Home Ranges of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida: Environmental Correlates and Implications for Management Strategies.
Creator: Mazzoil, Marilyn S., Reif, John S., Youngbluth, Marsh J., Murdoch, M. Elizabeth, Bechdel, Sarah E., Howells, Elisabeth M., McCulloch, Stephen D., Hansen, Larry J., Bossart, Gregory D.
Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2796084
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin, Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Marine mammals, Marine resources conservation, Coastal zone management --Florida --Congresses
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Volume transport variability through the Florida Keys tidal channels.
Creator: Lee, Thomas N., Smith, Ned P.
Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2848307
Subject Headings: Hydrodynamics --Mathematical models, Florida Keys (Fla.), Tidal currents, Coastal zone management, Sea level
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Late quaternary depositional and erosional environments of the Louisiana continental shelf: interpretation of fluvial terrain with emphasis on distributary systems from seismic and core data.
Creator: Mester, Zachary Samuel., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The submerged paleodrainage system of the early Balize delta complex that extended onto the inner continental shelf at 1500 YBP has not been completely studied in great detail. This study interprets the environmental deltaic facies of the Balize Delta, in the Sandy Point region offshore the southeastern Louisiana coast from 120 km of seismic data and 48 vibracores. The stratigraphic and environmental units established in this study provide a geological framework for this area. Overlying...
Show moreThe submerged paleodrainage system of the early Balize delta complex that extended onto the inner continental shelf at 1500 YBP has not been completely studied in great detail. This study interprets the environmental deltaic facies of the Balize Delta, in the Sandy Point region offshore the southeastern Louisiana coast from 120 km of seismic data and 48 vibracores. The stratigraphic and environmental units established in this study provide a geological framework for this area. Overlying Holocene deposits interpreted to be muds of prodelta and lower delta front origin were interpreted as having been deposited from the retreating delta sit atop a transgressive surface, indicated by the toplapping seismic reflectors, the ravinement surface. The deltaic facies below the ravinement surface are of regressive origin an inner shelf delta with widespread delta front sheet sands from a dense group of many distributaries. This research provides a concise methodology adapted from multiple studies for modeling deltaic facies of offshore sand resource targets.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3171718
Subject Headings: Continental shelf, Seismic prospecting, Environmental policy, Sediments (Geology), Coastal zone management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Interpretation of beach and nearshore morphodynamics, based on detailed geomorphological mapping.
Creator: Benedet, Lindino, Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W.
Abstract/Description: Shorelines are prefigured by inherited geologic features and spatially-defined process-form relationships that require in depth study. This thesis is based on the interpretation, delineation, and analysis of coastal geomorphological features, as mapped from large-scale (e.g. 1:3600), digital, georeferenced, stereo-paired, color, aerial photography. The morphologic features identified include coral-algae reef tracts, rock reefs, sedimentary features such as bars, troughs, and sandflats, and...
Show moreShorelines are prefigured by inherited geologic features and spatially-defined process-form relationships that require in depth study. This thesis is based on the interpretation, delineation, and analysis of coastal geomorphological features, as mapped from large-scale (e.g. 1:3600), digital, georeferenced, stereo-paired, color, aerial photography. The morphologic features identified include coral-algae reef tracts, rock reefs, sedimentary features such as bars, troughs, and sandflats, and different types of engineering works. Interrelationships between these morphologic features are analyzed using a remote sensing-GIS/MIS (Geographic and Marine Information Systems) framework, and applying interpretive approaches in the analysis of beach and nearshore morphodynamics. Sediment and wave data is used to calculate the dimensionless fall velocity (O), which combined with local geomorphology, defines beach types. Special purpose geomorphological and morphodynamic maps generated here, together with assessment of beach types and analysis of downdrift erosion provides new insights and deep understanding of large scale coastal behavior, which is of great use to management planning strategies.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12969
Subject Headings: Geomorphological mapping, Environmental monitoring, Aerial photography in geomorphology, Coastal zone management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MULTISPECTRAL UAS BASED COASTAL CHANGE DETECTION METHODS.
Creator: Rajkumar, Monica, Nagarajan, Sudhagar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Coastal landscape plays a vital role in reflecting various natural processes. Vegetation resource management improves the quality of life above the surface of the earth. Due to factors such as climatic change, urban development, and global warming, monitoring the coastal region as well as its vegetation has indeed become a challenge to mankind. The purpose of the study is to propose an effective low-cost methodology to monitor the 120- acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area ...
Show moreCoastal landscape plays a vital role in reflecting various natural processes. Vegetation resource management improves the quality of life above the surface of the earth. Due to factors such as climatic change, urban development, and global warming, monitoring the coastal region as well as its vegetation has indeed become a challenge to mankind. The purpose of the study is to propose an effective low-cost methodology to monitor the 120- acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) located in Jupiter, Florida (USA) using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Imagery deployed with RedEdge Micasense Multispectral sensor having five bands. Since, UAS provides high resolution imagery at lower altitudes, it has a lot of potential for variety of applications. This research aims to (1) Automate the extraction of shoreline and coastline through Modified Normalized Difference Index (MNDI), thereby comparing it with the manually digitized shoreline using transect-based analysis (2) Automate the volume change computation, as the area has been affected due to various natural and anthropogenic factors in the past few decades. (3) Perform shoreline change detection for the time period 1953 to 2021 (4) Develop an algorithm to differentiate ground and non-ground points along the shore region and generate Digital Terrain Model (DTM) (5) Land use and Land cover (LULC) mapping using different band combinations and compare its result using deep learning approach.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013931
Subject Headings: Coastal zone management--Florida, Jupiter Inlet Light (Fla.), Multispectral imaging, Drone aircraft, ArcGIS
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Advanced methods in sea level rise vulnerability assessment.
Creator: Romah, Thomas., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Increasing sea levels have the potential to place important portions of the infrastructure we rely on every day at risk. The transportation infrastructure relies on roads, airports, and seaports to move people, services, and goods around in an ever connected global economy. Any disturbances of the transportation modes have reverberating effects throughout the entire economic spectrum. The effects include delays, alterations of routes, and possible changes in the origin and destinations of...
Show moreIncreasing sea levels have the potential to place important portions of the infrastructure we rely on every day at risk. The transportation infrastructure relies on roads, airports, and seaports to move people, services, and goods around in an ever connected global economy. Any disturbances of the transportation modes have reverberating effects throughout the entire economic spectrum. The effects include delays, alterations of routes, and possible changes in the origin and destinations of services and goods. The purpose of this project is to develop an improved methodology for a sea level rise scenario vulnerability assessment model. This new model uses the groundwater elevation as a limiting factor for soil storage capacity in determining previously underestimated areas of vulnerability. The hope is that early identification of vulnerability will allow planners and government officials an opportunity to identify and either remediate or create alternative solutions for vulnerable land areas before high consequence impacts are felt.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358965
Subject Headings: Sea level, Environmental aspects, Coastal zone management, Sea level, Climactic factors, Climate change mitigation, Climatic changes, Risk management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Benthic Foraminiferal Assemblages from Pulau Karangmadjat, Mentawai Islands, Indonesia.
Creator: Garcia, Christine N., Oleinik, Anton E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Globally, coral reefs are in severe decline (Jackson et al., 2001) and face potential extinction of 1/3 of reef species by 2050 (Veron, 2011). This decline is the result of the inability of coral communities to recover after disturbance events, often resulting in a shift from coral- to macro-algal dominated regimes. Reef resources managers are in need of tools to assess the condition of these ecosystems prior to, during, and post disturbance, especially in regions of the world where coral...
Show moreGlobally, coral reefs are in severe decline (Jackson et al., 2001) and face potential extinction of 1/3 of reef species by 2050 (Veron, 2011). This decline is the result of the inability of coral communities to recover after disturbance events, often resulting in a shift from coral- to macro-algal dominated regimes. Reef resources managers are in need of tools to assess the condition of these ecosystems prior to, during, and post disturbance, especially in regions of the world where coral cover and diversity are high, yet management resources are scarce. Foraminifera have been widely utilized as bioindicators in both modern and paleoenvironments for more than a century due to their abundance, diverse functional morphology, rapid generation time, global distribution, and rich geologic record (Sen Gupta, 1999; Hallock et al., 2003). The FoRAM Index (FI) was developed as a single metric indicator to assess whether water quality supports coral recruitment and reproduction in Caribbean and Western Atlantic coral reefs (Hallock et al., 2003), yet the FI has not been widely applied to Indo-Pacific coral reefs. This study reports benthic foraminiferal assemblages from Pulau Karangmadjat, Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, and is the first to provide in situ foraminiferal assemblages for the Mentawai region. Results revealed overall low Shannon’s H’ and Fisher’s alpha, and low Buzas and Gibson’s evenness values across 13 sample sites selected from a variety of reef habitat zones. Values for the FI were also calculated and were extremely high across all sites due to the dominance of symbiont-bearing calcarinid taxa, suggesting favorable water quality conditions. Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis revealed 4 clusters, only one of which corresponded in its entirety to a well defined benthic habitat zone. Overall, a high degree of similarity between foraminiferal assemblages was present for most sites sampled due to the dominance of calcarinids, suggesting prevalence of a macro-algal substrate, and potentially a shift from a coral- to macro-algal dominated regime for this study area. Utilization of indices like the FI, when used in conjunction with non-FI analysis of foraminiferal assemblages, may aid managers in deducing drivers of regime shifts on Indonesian coral reefs, which may ultimately facilitate solutions for reef conservation and recovery following natural and anthropogenic disturbance. Further testing of the applicability of the FI on Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific reefs is needed to in order to test this hypothesis.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004790
Subject Headings: Foraminifera--Ecology--Indonesia--Mentawai Islands., Coral reef ecology--Indonesia--Mentawai Islands., Coastal zone management--Indonesia--Mentawai Islands.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MODELING GROUND ELEVATION OF LOUISIANA COASTAL WETLANDS AND ANALYZING RELATIVE SEA LEVEL RISE INUNDATION USING RSET-MH AND LIDAR MEASUREMENTS.
Creator: Liu, Jing, Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The Louisiana coastal ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from human flood control construction, sea-level rise (SLR), and subsidence. Louisiana lost about 4,833 km2 of coastal wetlands from 1932 to 2016, and concern exists whether remaining wetlands will persist while facing the highest rate of relative sea-level rise (RSLR) in the world. Restoration aimed at rehabilitating the ongoing and future disturbances is currently underway through the implementation of the Coastal Wetlands...
Show moreThe Louisiana coastal ecosystem is experiencing increasing threats from human flood control construction, sea-level rise (SLR), and subsidence. Louisiana lost about 4,833 km2 of coastal wetlands from 1932 to 2016, and concern exists whether remaining wetlands will persist while facing the highest rate of relative sea-level rise (RSLR) in the world. Restoration aimed at rehabilitating the ongoing and future disturbances is currently underway through the implementation of the Coastal Wetlands Planning Protection and Restoration Act of 1990 (CWPPRA). To effectively monitor the progress of projects in CWPPRA, the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) was established in 2006. To date, more than a decade of valuable coastal, environmental, and ground elevation data have been collected and archived. This dataset offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the wetland ground elevation dynamics by linking the Rod Surface Elevation Table (RSET) measurements with environmental variables like water salinity and biophysical variables like canopy coverage. This dissertation research examined the effects of the environmental and biophysical variables on wetland terrain elevation by developing innovative machine learning based models to quantify the contribution of each factor using the CRMS collected dataset. Three modern machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were assessed and cross-compared with the commonly used Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The results showed that RF had the best performance in modeling ground elevation with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 10.8 cm and coefficient of coefficient (r) = 0.74. The top four factors contributing to ground elevation are the distance from monitoring station to closest water source, water salinity, water elevation, and dominant vegetation height.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013568
Subject Headings: Coastal zone management--Louisiana, Sea level rise, Inundations, Wetland restoration--Louisiana, Machine learning, Computer simulation, Algorithms.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analysis of nearshore turbidity plumes using passive multispectral archive satellite data: Interactions of tidal current and bathymetry in Broward County, Florida.
Creator: DaPrato, Gary Wayne., Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W.
Abstract/Description: The interaction of tidal currents and bathymetry in the nearshore environment is investigated as an essential component in the study of cross-shore turbidity plumes. Clay and silt-sized grains which comprise a minor portion of natural beaches and artificial fills are modulated through the water column by nearshore currents. Tidal jets and undertow currents are forcing factors in the expansion of circulation currents that carry fine-grained suspended sediments offshore in large mega-plumes....
Show moreThe interaction of tidal currents and bathymetry in the nearshore environment is investigated as an essential component in the study of cross-shore turbidity plumes. Clay and silt-sized grains which comprise a minor portion of natural beaches and artificial fills are modulated through the water column by nearshore currents. Tidal jets and undertow currents are forcing factors in the expansion of circulation currents that carry fine-grained suspended sediments offshore in large mega-plumes. Enhanced contextual coverages from satellite imagery delineating plume morphology show a strong relationship between bathymetry and tidal current. The forces exerted by tidal action and frictions resisting this movement are examined by incorporating techniques of image processing, modeling, and statistical analysis in a GIS database environment. This analysis examines an experimental anisotropic cost distance algorithm that is utilized in the modeling of turbidity plumes to better understand the dispersion of suspended sediments in coastal Broward County.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15154
Subject Headings: Remote sensing--Florida--Broward County, Coastal zone management--Florida--Broward County, Marine sediments--Florida, Turbidity currents
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Evaluation of shore protection measures applied to eroding beaches in Florida.
Creator: Esteves, Luciana Slomp, Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W., Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Evaluations of shore erosion and protection in Florida are constrained by time and space. This study characterizes about 95% of Florida's beaches based on the degree of urban development, direction and rates of shoreline change, presence of sensitive ecological communities, and distribution of sea defense works. The 22 coastal-county maps prepared for this study show that approximately 195 km (16%) of Florida's beaches are eroding and 283 km (23%) are protected by engineering works. About 72%...
Show moreEvaluations of shore erosion and protection in Florida are constrained by time and space. This study characterizes about 95% of Florida's beaches based on the degree of urban development, direction and rates of shoreline change, presence of sensitive ecological communities, and distribution of sea defense works. The 22 coastal-county maps prepared for this study show that approximately 195 km (16%) of Florida's beaches are eroding and 283 km (23%) are protected by engineering works. About 72% of eroded beaches are geographically associated with inlets. Sand management at inlets is crucial to improve erosion mitigation in Florida. Suggestions designed to enhance mitigation of beach erosion are based on comparative analyses of potential environmental impacts, costs, and limitations of shore protection works. Alternative technologies that use combined techniques (i.e. bed fluidization/jet-pumps, beach nourishment/dewatering systems, or detached breakwaters) are more efficient, less expensive, and less environmentally hazardous than conventional methods.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15473
Subject Headings: Beach erosion--Florida, Coast changes--Florida, Shore protection--Florida, Coastal zone management--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The economic impact of the proposed movement of the Coastal Construction Control Line in Palm Beach County.
Creator: Correia, Michele Edwards., Florida Atlantic University, Rhodd, Rupert, College of Business, Department of Economics
Abstract/Description: An Economic Impact Statement was developed in accordance with section 120.54 Florida Administrative Code to determine the costs and benefits associated with the proposed movement of the Palm Beach County Coastal Construction Control Line. A benefit/cost model was developed to measure the available data. The benefit/cost analysis will be provided to policy makers as an aid to clarifying the net costs and benefits of the proposed rule amendment on society.
Date Issued: 1992
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14860
Subject Headings: Cost effectiveness, Coastal zone management--Florida--Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County (Fla)--Economic conditions
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mangrove Morphological Change Across an Environmental Gradients: Implications for Competitive Ability in a Changing Climate.
Creator: Standish, Hilary, Proffitt, C. Edward, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: In Florida, mangroves have responded to climate change by slowly migrating northward into traditional salt marsh habitat. However, little is understood about the relationships among mangrove growth form plasticity and environmental conditions. In addition, the effects of the mangrove northward expansion on pre-existing salt marsh communities are unknown, especially any influences of differences in tree morphology. The size, canopy structure, and root structure of the three mangrove species...
Show moreIn Florida, mangroves have responded to climate change by slowly migrating northward into traditional salt marsh habitat. However, little is understood about the relationships among mangrove growth form plasticity and environmental conditions. In addition, the effects of the mangrove northward expansion on pre-existing salt marsh communities are unknown, especially any influences of differences in tree morphology. The size, canopy structure, and root structure of the three mangrove species Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, and Laguncularia racemosa were measured at six sites along the east coast of Florida. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the multivariate relationships between environmental and biotic variables. Mangrove growth form varied widely with environmental variables. The results of this study suggest that R. mangle expansion into salt marsh may rely on interactions with salt marsh and shading as well as on climatic variables, which has implications for future mangrove expansion northward in Florida.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004759, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004759
Subject Headings: Mangrove forests--Florida., Mangrove management., Mangrove ecology., Mangrove conservation., Marine ecosystem management--Florida., Coastal zone management--Florida., Forest ecology., Climatic changes--Florida.
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (26)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (3)	+ -

Coastal zone management (11)	+ -
Coastal zone management--Florida (5)	+ -
Coastal zone management. (3)	+ -
Sea level (3)	+ -
Beach nourishment (2)	+ -

Coastal ecology (2)	+ -
Aerial photography in geomorphology (1)	+ -
Algorithms. (1)	+ -
Aquaculture--Environmental aspects--Florida (1)	+ -
ArcGIS (1)	+ -
Beach erosion -- Florida -- Lake Worth Inlet -- Prevention (1)	+ -
Beach erosion -- Florida -- South Lake Worth Inlet -- Prevention (1)	+ -
Beach erosion--Florida (1)	+ -
Beaches (1)	+ -
Beaches--Florida (1)	+ -
Bottlenose dolphin (1)	+ -
Climactic factors (1)	+ -
Climate change mitigation (1)	+ -
Climatic changes (1)	+ -
Climatic changes -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies (1)	+ -
Climatic changes--Florida. (1)	+ -
Climatic changes. (1)	+ -
Coast changes--Florida (1)	+ -
Coast changes--Mathematical models. (1)	+ -
Coastal changes -- Florida -- Palm Beach County (1)	+ -
Coastal ecology -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies (1)	+ -
Coastal ecology--Florida (1)	+ -
Coastal engineering--Mathematical models. (1)	+ -
Coastal zone management -- Florida -- Broward County -- Case studies (1)	+ -
Coastal zone management -- Florida -- Palm Beach County (1)	+ -

Beach erosion--Florida--Broward County (1)	+ -
Coastal zone management--Florida--Broward County (1)	+ -
Glass waste--Recycling--Florida--Broward County (1)	+ -
Louisiana (1)	+ -
Shore protection--Florida--Broward County (1)	+ -

Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (26)	+ -
article (3)	+ -

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