Monitoring Coastal Topography at Gulf Coast Network Parks: Protocol Implementation Plan
Bracewell J. 2017. Monitoring Coastal Topography at Gulf Coast Network Parks: Protocol Implementation Plan. Natural Resource Report. NPS/GULN/NRR—2017/1522. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Coastal geomorphology was ranked as one of the top vital signs for the Gulf Coast Network (GULN) to monitor following the Vital Sign prioritization process, which is documented in the Gulf Coast Network Vital Signs Monitoring Plan (Segura et al. 2007). The Gulf Coast Network will follow Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network’s methods for monitoring coastal geomorphology, documented in Psuty et al. (2012), at Gulf Islands (GUIS) and Padre Island (PAIS) National Seashores. These methods will be used to create a network of permanently established reference points that will allow for the collection of highly accurate elevation data along beach/dune transects. Profiles created from these elevation data will be tracked through space and time to better understand geomorphic processes and spatial patterns as they relate to park resources. Surveys will be conducted biennially (every other year) in the spring and coincide with neap tides, carefully avoiding nesting shorebirds and potentially disruptive tropical storms. Data will be assembled in databases established by Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network for the storage and retrieval of profile dimensions. Likewise, NCBN methodologies for analysis will be used to examine long-term trends in temporal and spatial variation. “The overall goal is to create a replicable means of data gathering that is efficient, adheres to scientific principles, and meets the management needs of the barrier island parks” (Psuty et al. 2012, p. xiii).
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Bracewell, Jeff
- Date of Issue
- 2017-09
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GUIS , GULN , NRSS , PAIS
- Keywords
- coastal topography, GULN Final Protocol, monitoring