Morphological evolution of a submerged artificial nearshore berm along a low-wave microtidal coast, Fort Myers Beach, west-central Florida, USA

Strategic placement of mixed sediment in the form of a nearshore berm along Fort Myers Beach, Florida

“…The natural (pre-placement) profile morphology includes a small bar approximately 0.5 m high, 100 m offshore. As indicated by the control area profiles (Figure 4 and detailed in Brutsché [2011]; Brutsché and Wang [2012]; Wang et al [2013]; Brutsché et al [2014]), the small natural bar is dynamic and ephemeral. Generally, onshore migration of the berm occurred throughout the entire 4-year study period.…”

“…Figure 8 shows the variance of the nearshore berm profile lines during each survey period from the average profile line of the greater study area. Detailed information on calculations can be found in Brutsché et al (2014). Overall, the average variance from the average profile decreased throughout the entire study period, and by May 2013, the average variance was approximately equal to the pre-placement average variance, indicating that the berm had equilibrated by that point.…”

“…The field study was based on sediment and morphology data collected over a 4-year study period (Brutsché et al 2014). Pre-and postplacement surveys were conducted by the SAJ in May 2009 and October 2009, respectively.…”

“…Additionally, it was expected that the berm sediment would migrate onshore and nourish the beach while sustaining the usability of the strategic placement site. Supplemental technical details can be found in Brutsché (2011), Brutsché and Wang (2012), Wang et al (2013), and Brutsché et al (2014). The Fort Myers Beach nearshore berm project provided an excellent example of utilizing EWN practices for strategic design and placement along with EWN practices to gain benefit from sediments that otherwise would have been relegated to placement in offshore or upland sites.…”

Wave averaging for scoping level estimates of nearshore berm morphodynamics

“…Historically, nearshore berms have been studied with field monitoring at several locations around the United States (e.g., Hands and DeLoach 1984;McLellan 1990;Andrassay 1991;Bodge 1994;Otay 1994;Mesa 1996;Johnson 2005;Barnard et al 2009;Wang et al 2013;Brutsché et al 2014;Brutsché et al 2017;McFall et al 2017). Additionally, the migration of nearshore berms have been studied in two-dimensional and threedimensional physical models (e.g., Zwamborn et al 1970;Vera-Cruz 1972;Gunyakti 1987;Hwung et al 2010;Bryant and McFall 2016;Smith et al 2017a,b).…”