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- Title
- Development and application of a new comprehensive image-based classification scheme for coastal and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf.
- Creator
- Makowski, Christopher, Finkl, Charles W., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The coastal (terrestrial) and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf show a unique biophysical succession of marine features from a highly urbanized, developed coastal region in the north (i.e. northern Miami-Dade County) to a protective marine sanctuary in the southeast (i.e. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary). However, the establishment of a standard bio-geomorphological classification scheme for this area of coastal and benthic environments is lacking. The...
Show moreThe coastal (terrestrial) and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf show a unique biophysical succession of marine features from a highly urbanized, developed coastal region in the north (i.e. northern Miami-Dade County) to a protective marine sanctuary in the southeast (i.e. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary). However, the establishment of a standard bio-geomorphological classification scheme for this area of coastal and benthic environments is lacking. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis and answer the research question of whether new parameters of integrating geomorphological components with dominant biological covers could be developed and applied across multiple remote sensing platforms for an innovative way to identify, interpret, and classify diverse coastal and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf. An ordered, manageable hierarchical classification scheme was developed to incorporate the categories of Physiographic Realm, Morphodynamic Zone, Geoform, Landform, Dominant Surface Sediment, and Dominant Biological Cover. Six different remote sensing platforms (i.e. five multi-spectral satellite image sensors and one high-resolution aerial orthoimagery) were acquired, delineated according to the new classification scheme, and compared to determine optimal formats for classifying the study area. Cognitive digital classification at a nominal scale of 1:6000 proved to be more accurate than autoclassification programs and therefore used to differentiate coastal marine environments based on spectral reflectance characteristics, such as color, tone, saturation, pattern, and texture of the seafloor topology. In addition, attribute tables were created in conjugation with interpretations to quantify and compare the spatial relationships between classificatory units. IKONOS-2 satellite imagery was determined to be the optimal platform for applying the hierarchical classification scheme. However, each remote sensing platform had beneficial properties depending on research goals, logistical restrictions, and financial support. This study concluded that a new hierarchical comprehensive classification scheme for identifying coastal marine environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf could be achieved by integrating geomorphological features with biological coverages. This newly developed scheme, which can be applied across multiple remote sensing platforms with GIS software, establishes an innovative classification protocol to be used in future research studies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004135, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004135
- Subject Headings
- Benthos -- Habitat -- Maps, Environmental mapping, Marine ecology -- Florida, Marine ecology -- Florida, Ubiquitous computing
- 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
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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.
Show less - 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
- Potential applications for recycled glass in beach management: Emergency stabilization of erosional "hot spots" in Broward County, Florida.
- Creator
- Kerwin, Loisa, Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
In Florida beach renourishment is the preferred management technique used to maintain the integrity of local beaches, which generate over 7.9 billion a year in revenues from tourism. Beaches are dynamic and often exhibit accelerated rates of erosion and shoreline retreat. Sites that erode more than twice the regional background rate are classified as "erosional hot spots" (EHS). Emergency remediation of EHS is necessary to avoid loss of beach sand from renourished beaches. Because suitable...
Show moreIn Florida beach renourishment is the preferred management technique used to maintain the integrity of local beaches, which generate over 7.9 billion a year in revenues from tourism. Beaches are dynamic and often exhibit accelerated rates of erosion and shoreline retreat. Sites that erode more than twice the regional background rate are classified as "erosional hot spots" (EHS). Emergency remediation of EHS is necessary to avoid loss of beach sand from renourished beaches. Because suitable offshore borrow materials are limited in Broward County, coastal managers are seeking alternative sources of compatible beach fill materials. The manufacturing of glass sand from processed recycled glass is a new, innovative technology. This report evaluates the potential application of glass sand for EHS remediation along renourished shores. Benefits of processed glass sand are: (1) preferred grain size by crushing of recycled glass, (2) an environmentally inert material, and (3) physical properties similar to the composition and color of native sand. The recycling industry in Florida generates almost 100,000 m^3 of glass a year, 30% of which is unsuitable for recycling. Alternative uses for waste glass cullet are being sought to reduce the high cost of disposal in landfills.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1997
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15453
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Geomorphology of the southeast Florida inner continental shelf: Interpretations based on remote sensing.
- Creator
- Khalil, Syed M., Florida Atlantic University, Finkl, Charles W., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
A geomorphological map (1:24,000) was prepared delineating various morphostructures (bottom types) along the northern parts of the inner Atlantic continental shelf off Broward County. About 24 geomorphic units were identified on the basis of landform features, coastal process zones, and sediments. These units were delineated on the basis of bathymetric data, side scan sonar images, sub-bottom profiles from Chirp Sonar obtained during a geotechnical investigation and interpretation of aerial...
Show moreA geomorphological map (1:24,000) was prepared delineating various morphostructures (bottom types) along the northern parts of the inner Atlantic continental shelf off Broward County. About 24 geomorphic units were identified on the basis of landform features, coastal process zones, and sediments. These units were delineated on the basis of bathymetric data, side scan sonar images, sub-bottom profiles from Chirp Sonar obtained during a geotechnical investigation and interpretation of aerial photographs. The major morphostructures in the area are associated with three prominent shore-parallel coral/algal reef tracts. The identified morphostructures were correlated to a geomorphological coastal classification scheme developed by Finkl (1997). Each of these units is genetically related to specific process zones. The intervening sedimentary flats between the coral/algal reefs accumulate calcareous sand bodies, which are potential sources of sand used for beach renourishment. These sand sources can be quantitatively evaluated from the sub bottom profiles after calculating the dimensions of these deposits.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1999
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15631
- Subject Headings
- Geomorphology--Florida--Remote sensing
- Format
- Document (PDF)