GRAIN SIZE AND ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF HURRICANE IRMA SEDIMENT DEPOSITS ON FLORIDA BAY ISLANDS, EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany L. Stackhouse ◽  
◽  
G. Lynn Wingard
2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 1070-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Lynn Wingard ◽  
S. E. Bergstresser ◽  
B. L. Stackhouse ◽  
M. C. Jones ◽  
M. E. Marot ◽  
...  

AbstractHurricane Irma made landfall in south Florida, USA, on September 10, 2017 as a category 4 storm. In January 2018, fieldwork was conducted on four previously (2014) sampled islands in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park to examine changes between 2014 and 2018. The objectives were to determine if the net impact of the storm was gain or loss of island landmass and/or elevation; observe and quantify impacts to mangroves; and identify distinctive sedimentary, biochemical, and/or geochemical signatures of the storm. Storm overwash deposits were measured in the field and, in general, interior island mudflats appeared to experience deposition ranging from ~ 0.5 to ~ 6.5 cm. Elevation changes were measured using real-time kinematic positioning and satellite receivers. Comparison of 2014 to 2018 elevation measurements indicates mangrove berms and transitional areas between mudflats and berms experienced erosion and loss of elevation, whereas interior mudflats gained elevation, possibly due to Hurricane Irma. Geographic information system analysis of pre- and post-storm satellite imagery indicates the western-most island, closest to the eye of the storm, lost 32 to 42% (~ 11 to 13 m) of the width of the eastern berm, and vegetated coverage was reduced 9.3% or ~ 9700 m2. Vegetated coverage on the eastern-most island was reduced by 1.9% or ~ 9200 m2. These results are compared to previous accounts of hurricane impacts and provide a baseline for examining long-term constructive and destructive aspects of hurricanes on the islands and the role of storms in resiliency of Florida Bay islands.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Lynn Wingard ◽  
◽  
Miriam C. Jones ◽  
Sarah E. Bergstresser ◽  
Bethany L. Stackhouse ◽  
...  

1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. L. Brewster-Wingard ◽  
S.E. Ishman ◽  
Thomas M. Cronin ◽  
Lucy E. Edwards ◽  
Debra A. Willard ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Hallac ◽  
Jimi Sadle ◽  
Leonard Pearlstine ◽  
Fred Herling ◽  
Dilip Shinde

Recreational motor boating in shallow water can damage submerged natural resources through propeller scarring and these impacts represent one of many factors that affect the health of seagrass ecosystems. Understanding the patterns of seagrass scarring and associations with physical and visitor-use factors can assist in development of management plans that seek to minimise resource damage within marine protected areas. A quantification of seagrass scarring of Florida Bay in Everglades National Park, using aerial imagery, resulted in the detection of a substantial number and length of seagrass scars. Geospatial analyses indicated that scarring was widespread, with the densest areas found in shallow depths, near navigational channels, and around areas most heavily used by boats. Modelling identified areas of high scarring probability, including areas that may experience increased scarring in the future as a result of a reallocation of impacts if management strategies are implemented. New boating-management strategies are warranted to protect seagrass in Florida Bay. An adaptive approach focusing on the most heavily scarred areas, should consider a variety of management options, including education, improved signage, new enforcement efforts and boating restrictions, such as non-motorised zones, or temporary closures. These methods and recommendations are broadly applicable to management of shallow water systems before and after resource impacts have occurred.


1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. L. Brewster-Wingard ◽  
S.E. Ishman ◽  
N.J. Waibel ◽  
Debra A. Willard ◽  
Lucy E. Edwards ◽  
...  

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