RECENT CHANGES TO THE DYNAMIC SANDY BEACH SYSTEM AT THE MOUTH OF THE KENNEBEC RIVER, MID-COAST MAINE

The geomorphic features of the Popham and Sewall Beach barrier complexes and the pocket beaches of Cape Small, in Phippsburg, Maine are influenced by long-term changes such as sea level rise due to climatic variability, causing beaches to migrate with rise and fall. Short-term and seasonal changes, such as storms, longshore transport, and anthropogenic activity on the beaches, cause quick changes to the surrounding environments. Over the past decade changes occurring on these beaches happen quickly and on a large spatial scale (hundreds of meters). One feature of barrier beaches is their capability to act as an erosional buffer between mainland and ocean; due to the highly dynamic nature of the study area, it is important to monitor morphologic change closely. Satellite imagery, time-lapse photography and historical photos were used to compare long-term and short-term morphological changes along the barrier beach and pocket beach systems. Through topographical surveying, weather data, and GPS tracking of the frontal dunes, a recorded documentation of beach morphology during the summer of 2015 was collected and compared to archived profiles extending back to the summer of 2000.