Hurricane Induced Changes in Apalachicola Bay, Fla.

by Wayne C. Isphording, Univ of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA,
F. Dewayne Imsand, Univ of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '87

Abstract:

Immediately prior to a hurricane a detailed study had just been completed that included description and analysis of the bay's bottom sediments and its bathymetry. A similarly detailed study was carried out following passage of three hurricanes and has provided heretofore unavailable information on the physical effects that tropical cyclones may have on a Gulf Coast estuary. Analysis of changes brought about by the hurricanes revealed that most damage was caused by one storm, Hurricane Elena. The path of Elena was such that it caused high velocity waters to sweep from east to west within the bay over an extended period of time causing massive scouring and destruction of major oyster reefs.

Subject Headings: Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones | Sediment | Tides | Bays | Sediment transport | Scour | Estuaries | Florida | United States

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