Poster Number 251
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: The Future of Sedimentary Geology: Student Research (Posters)
Abstract:
This study established a baseline and strategy for establishing a continuous dune line on South Padre Island and also was used to educate the public about the importance of the dune line. Utilizing ArcGIS software to compare aerial imagery from 1994 and 2005, we estimated the total area of vegetation cover and unvegetatated areas. We harvested Panicum amarum (bitter panicum), Sesuvium portulacastrum (sea purslane), Distichlis spicata (spike grass), Ipomoea pes-caprae (railroad vine) and other natural dune vegetation to re-vegetate areas on the dune line.
Impact of re-vegetation for beach stabilization was measured through beach profiling. The beach was profiled in three locations which had been re-vegetated, three locations without vegetation, and three locations that had existing vegetation. Beach profiles were completed before and after storm events to monitor the beach sedimentation change. Understanding the natural nourishment of the beach will create the framework which can protect the beach, allow for recreation and establish long-term management of the beach.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: The Future of Sedimentary Geology: Student Research (Posters)