Erosion and Washover in Coastal Louisiana

by William Ritchie, Aberdeen Univ, United Kingdom,
Shea Penland, Aberdeen Univ, United Kingdom,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Barrier Islands: Process and Management

Abstract:

In 1985 three hurricanes affected the barrier coastline (Caminada-Moreau Headland) of Louisiana. These produced severe coastal erosion and rapid washover extension. Using the 1979 U.S.G.S. topographic map (which was surveyed in 1978) as a baseline, interpretation of aerial photographs taken in 1984 and 1985 (post-hurricane) enabled detailed measurements of the relative importance of hurricanes to be made. The pattern of erosion and washover penetration was essentially similar, but areas that had been relatively protected were altered most during the hurricane period. Washover extension in 1985, however, was relatively much more significant than coastline erosion.

Subject Headings: Erosion | Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones | Shores | Topographic surveys | Coastal processes | Beaches | Water flow | Louisiana | United States

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