Monitoring Sedimentation Patterns and Inlet Migration at Popham, Seawall and Small Point Beaches, Phippsburg, Maine

Author

Sara May El Assaad, Bates CollegeFollow

Department or Program

Environmental Studies

Second Department or Program

Geology

Abstract

Beach barrier systems along the coast of Phippsburg, Maine, provide understanding to processes affecting the seasonal and long-term changes of the coast. From long-term environmental issues, including deglaciation and sea-level rise, to anthropogenic affects, these beach barriers are in constant flux. Continuing to monitor these dynamic barrier systems is necessary, it provides further knowledge on the seasonal processes and better information for continuing studies.

Barrier beaches are heavily influenced by the migrating paths of the tidal inlets, Morse River and Sprague River. Popham, Seawall and Small Point pocket beaches, Little and Icebox Beach, are the beaches representative of the changing coastal landforms. These beaches have seen dramatic changes and erosion over the past decade, concurring with shifts in courses of the tidal channels which linked the coastal back-marshes to the ocean.

Through topographical surveying of the beach barriers and GPS mapping of tidal channels, this study will examine the processes affecting beach morphology.

Level of Access

Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access

First Advisor

Mike Retelle

Second Advisor

Holly Ewing

Date of Graduation

Spring 5-2014

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Recommended Citation

El Assaad, Sara May, "Monitoring Sedimentation Patterns and Inlet Migration at Popham, Seawall and Small Point Beaches, Phippsburg, Maine" (2014). Standard Theses. 29.
https://scarab.bates.edu/envr_studies_theses/29

Number of Pages

73