Sediment transport pathways along the south-east coast of Florida
The US state of Florida has over 2,000 km of coastline, featuring a mix of beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The south-east coast borders a wide strait, the Florida Strait, through which a strong current of warm water flows northwards. Further north, this Florida Current feeds into the Gulf Stream, which ultimately brings us the temperate climate of western Europe. Along the south-east coast, the coastline is indented by several sea inlets and access channels to harbours.
- Client: US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- Location: South-east coast Florida
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) commissioned WaterProof to investigate the sediment transport pathways along the south-east coast of Florida. The aim was to use calibrated numerical models to quantify the prevailing hydrodynamic conditions and subsequently to map sediment transport patterns and the sediment balance.
This information is used to enable measures to be taken and justified in order to control sediment (sand and fine silt) wherever possible. For example, the project provides insight into the size of the sediment plume that can develop during dredging operations in a harbour, as well as into the effects of sediment bypass systems and existing breakwaters, and how these could be implemented more efficiently.
On-site research
For this project, some of our colleagues travelled to Florida. Whilst there, they had the unique opportunity to see the Florida Current with their own eyes and collect sand samples for further research.
The photos below offer a glimpse behind the scenes during a visit to the control centre from which incoming cargo ships are safely guided into the harbour.
Of course, the beaches were a must-see, too. From the coast, the impact of erosion was very clear. Also, it was evident how the landscape is slowly changing under the force of the sea.
Take a look at our other projects
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Long-Term EMF Measurements
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MUSA, Research into the behavior of mud-sand mixtures
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