Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network geomorphological monitoring protocol: Part II — coastal topography, version 2
Psuty NP, Silveira TM, Habeck A, Skidds D, Stevens S, Ames K, Liu G. 2024. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network geomorphological monitoring protocol: Part II — coastal topography, version 2. Natural Resource Report. NPS/NCBN/NRR—2024/2618. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2301966
Coastal topography was ranked as one of the most important variables for monitoring following a review of potential vital signs in the coastal parks of the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN). Changes in coastal topography, whether caused by erosion or accretion, vary both spatially and temporally. Understanding these variations is key to early recognition of potential problems affecting natural and cultural resources in coastal parks. For managers, understanding spatial and temporal patterns of geomorphologic change is basic to optimal management of any coastal park because the interface of marine and land systems 1) is highly dynamic and driven by multiple forcing mechanisms, 2) results in alterations to resource patterns and dynamics at habitat and ecosystem levels, and 3) can eventually result in the loss of static resources. The establishment of local, long-term monitoring programs help us to understand the processes that are driving coastal change of beaches, dunes, and bluffs within the parks. This Coastal Topography Monitoring Protocol has been developed for use in the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network parks. Monitoring is accomplished with survey-grade Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) equipment that collects topographic data along pre-established transects spaced at regular intervals, augmented by more intense data-collection in areas of special concern to the parks. A network of high-quality survey control monuments (often referred to as benchmarks), used as accuracy assessment reference is located within each of the NCBN parks, providing a robust basis for long-term monitoring. Spring and/or fall surveys conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures generate coastal topography datasets that are organized and assembled by the NCBN data manager into a database for analysis and archival purposes. Dimensional parameters are measured to describe the beach-dune-bluff system, and attributes are compared and analyzed in a cross-shore and alongshore perspective, providing information about the temporal and spatial changes on beach-dune-bluff morphologies in the parks. 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 coastal parks.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Psuty, Norbert; Silveira, Tanya; Habeck, Andrea; Skidds, Dennis; Stevens, Sara; Ames, Katy; Liu, Glenn
- Date of Issue
- 2024-01
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2301966
- Units
- NCBN
- Keywords
- accretion, alongshore, beaches, bluffs, coastal resources, Coastal topography, cross-shore, dunes, erosion, geomorphologic change, GIS, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Global Positioning System, GNSS, landform evolution, sea level rise, sediment budget