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RESEARCH INTERESTS My major interests are in the fields of shallow marine geology, extending from the coastal zone to the inner continental shelf. During the past ten years my research has centered on the morpho-stratigraphy of various barrier types and the hydraulics and sediment transport characteristics of tidal inlets and estuaries along the New England coast. In this context, we have been studying the morphological evolution of barriers by radiocarbon dating and by recording their stratigraphy through the use of Ground Penetrating Radar and various coring methods. This work has led to some important findings concerning the control of antecedent topography and the original supply of sediment for barrier construction. Recently, we have begun several new tidal inlet initiatives looking at inlet sediment bypassing and ways of using geomorphic models to enhance engineering designs. Our estuarine research has been directed at defining the role that spring freshets play in controlling net sediment trends. These studies have involved water column measurements, shallow seismic and side scan data, bottom sediment samples, and bedform data. More recently, our stratigraphic research and study of coastal systems have led to an investigation of New England's Quaternary deposits. Specifically, we have been studying the sandy deposits associated with the deglaciation of Southern Maine and the coarse-grained contribution of these deposits to the coast. PRESENT RESEARCH PROJECTS 1. New stratigraphic and evolutionary models for complex barriers sequences. A detailed network of Ground-Penetrating Radar transects and sediment cores, coupled with radiocarbon dates will enable us to determine the facies architecture, evolutionary history, and large-scale accretionary and erosional surfaces comprising paraglacial barrier sequences. Project funded by American Chemical Society. 1. Hydraulic, sedimentologic, and morphodynamic studies of the Kennebec River, ME and Merrimack River, MA. In these studies we are concerned with major estuarine systems being sources or sinks of coarse-grained sediment. Measurements are being collected during tidally and riverine dominated conditions including periods of spring freshets. Research supported by a variety of funding sources. 1. Geomorphic investigation of tidal inlets Morphodynamic investigations of tidal inlets including studies aimed at constructing models of sediment transport and channel hydraulics will lead to better designed engineering projects such as jetties or dredging and reduced impact to adjacent barrier shorelines. Research funded by Waterways Experiment Station, USACOE. 1. Environments of deposition and stratigraphic signature of deglacial sand deposits in Southern and Eastern Maine. The Brunswick, Sanford, and Dublois sand plains have been interpreted by previous investigators as outwash plains and submarine fans. Recent Ground-Penetrating Radar studies have revealed that these large sandy deposits are actually regressive marine deltas. Proposal in preparation to American Chemical Society. 1. Wave-current interaction, Wells, ME. Many small
jettied inlets in the United States and elsewhere fill with sediment
even though the main channel is dominated by ebb-tidal currents.
To resolve this apparent incongruity, involves understanding
how storm waves perturb the ambient current field. Data collection
at Wells Inlet will address this problem. Research funded by
CICEET Grant. 1. Sediment dynamics along the Merrimack Embayment, Massachusetts. Southern Merrimack chain is a sand-rich barrier system that developed earlier and further offshore than the barrier systems to the north. This has led to thicker barrier sequences, more extensive backbarrier systems, and less control of paleo-topography on their evolution. Grant proposal submitted to NOAA for funding.
RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND LABORATORIES Ground-penetrating radar, various types coring equipment,
shallow seismic reflection system, small Work Phone: 617-353-2530
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