Numerical model characterization of sediment transport potentials pre- and post-construction of an artificial island in Foggy Island Bay, Alaska
The anticipated construction of the Liberty Development Island near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, has created a need to understand how the island may influence sediment transport patterns and deposition on the nearby Boulder Patch ecosystem. This study uses a numerical model to characterize sediment transport pathways in Foggy Island Bay with and without the artificial island in place. We present the Delft3D-based model setup and application that yields an improved quantification and understanding of the region’s hydrodynamic, wave, and sediment transport patterns. The results for the present show mainly east-west directed, alongshore transport of silt and clay. Insertion of the planned island results in limited changes to the overall hydrodynamic and sediment transport patterns within the Bay but reverses erosional tendencies across a boulder patch, situated within a kilometer of the planned construction location, to being net depositional.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2023 |
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Title | Numerical model characterization of sediment transport potentials pre- and post-construction of an artificial island in Foggy Island Bay, Alaska |
DOI | 10.1142/9789811275135_0045 |
Authors | Cornelis M. Nederhoff, Li H. Erikson, Anita C Engelstad, Stuart Pearson |
Publication Type | Conference Paper |
Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
Index ID | 70232702 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center |