Research Article

CHANNELS’ SHAPE EVOLUTION DETECTED BY UAVs IN A RESTORED SALT MARSH

Published: 2019-5

Journal: Coastal Sediments 2019

DOI: 10.1142/9789811204487_0131

Abstract

Coastal Sediments 2019, pp. 1519-1527 (2019) **CHANNELS’ SHAPE EVOLUTION DETECTED BY UAVs IN A RESTORED SALT MARSH** **Authors:** YURI TADDIA, WILLIAM NARDIN, CORINNE CORBAU, GIULIA FRANCHI, COURT J. STEVENSON, LORIE W. STAVER **Affiliations:** - Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, USA - Engineering Department, University of Ferrara, 1 Saragat Street, Ferrara, 44122, Italy - Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Department of Math and Computer Science, Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 2180, USA **DOI:** [10.1142/9789811204487_0131](https://doi.org/10.1142/9789811204487_0131) **Cited by:** 2 (Source: Crossref) **Abstract:** Tidal processes that regulate sediment accretion rates strongly influence the evolution of salt marshes. The assessment of the erosion and deposition balance is therefore crucial to find out the best restoration strategies. This work presents the first results of an integrated approach for monitoring channels’ morphodynamics over a six-year time frame in a low energy restored salt marsh at Poplar Island (Maryland, USA). The combined use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and traditional GPS cross sections surveys was adopted to detect the current shape of the channels. Due to the site extent of 400 m by 400 m, three missions were performed flying at a 40 m altitude. The comparison with the initial as-built survey showed the effects of erosion and deposition phenomena. The technique provided reliable results at low cost, allowing an accurate assessment of the morphodynamics over time, thanks to both high spatial resolution and the precise imageries georeferencing.

Faculty Members

  • CORINNE CORBAU - Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, USADepartment of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
  • COURT J. STEVENSON - Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, USA
  • LORIE W. STAVER - Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, USA
  • YURI TADDIA - Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, USAEngineering Department, University of Ferrara, 1 Saragat Street, Ferrara, 44122, Italy
  • GIULIA FRANCHI - Department of Math and Computer Science, Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 2180, USA
  • WILLIAM NARDIN - Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, USA

Themes

  • Channel Morphodynamics
  • Sediment Dynamics
  • Erosion and Deposition Processes
  • Monitoring and Assessment Techniques
  • Salt Marsh Restoration

Categories

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