Premium
Evidence of aeolian sediment transport across an Ammophila arenaria ‐dominated foredune, Mason Bay, Stewart Island
Author(s) -
Petersen Philip S.,
Hilton Michael J.,
Wakes Sarah J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
new zealand geographer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1745-7939
pISSN - 0028-8144
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7939.2011.01210.x
Subject(s) - foredune , aeolian processes , bay , sediment transport , geology , sink (geography) , oceanography , sediment , hydrology (agriculture) , geomorphology , geography , cartography , geotechnical engineering
Aeolian sedimentation across an Ammophila arenaria ‐dominated foredune was assessed for eight months using sand traps. This research aimed to ascertain if such foredunes act as a barrier to transport between beaches and hinterland dune systems. At Mason Bay, sand was transported across the foredune at rates of up to 10 kg.hour −1 per 100 m length of coast at wind velocities of 31 m.s −1 . Results were compared with computational fluid dynamics modelled airflows and foredune volume changes. Saltation was important for up to 17 m past the stoss face. Rates of transport were well short of rates of volume gain. Approximately 2% or less of stoss face suspended sediment transport reached the hinterland. The foredune is primarily a sand sink.