IMMEDIATE PROFILE ADJUSTMENT AND ALONGSHORE VARIABILITY OF A SMALL NOURISHMENT PROJECT IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA, USA

Beach nourishment has become a widely implemented erosion mitigation strategy along many of Florida’s beaches. Many beach nourishment projects aim to address chronic erosion areas facing storm-induced erosion and long-term sea level rise. Measuring the subsequent patterns of erosion and accretion within the site of sand placement, as well as the adjacent areas of lateral spreading, is important to understand local sediment transport trends and adjust future projects for optimal performance. The objective of this study is to determine the immediate profile adjustment and alongshore variability of a small nourishment project placed just before the summer months in southeast Florida. This study quantifies the performance of a small beach nourishment project in Boca Raton, located in southeast Florida, which placed sand along approximately 500 meters of beach (located far from the influence of the nearest tidal inlet). A total of 10 beach-profiles, spanning ~1.5 miles, were surveyed weekly to bi-weekly just before the project commenced through the subsequent summer months (February through July). Alongshore and cross-shore sediment samples were also obtained to evaluate selective transport during profile equilibration. Results of the alongshore variability observed at profiles within the project area and in the adjacent, non-nourished areas will be discussed.