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Fields, Mary Leslie.
Physical processes and sedimentation in the intra-jetty area, Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3X63PRTExport
Description
Main TitlePhysical processes and sedimentation in the intra-jetty area, Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey
Date Created1984
Subject (Geographic)Barnegat Bay (N.J.)
Subject (Geographic)Barnegat Bay Watershed (N.J.)
Subject (Geographic - Hierarchical)
Country: UNITED STATES
State: New Jersey
County: Ocean County
Subject (Topical)Coastal zone; Bays; Estuaries; Sedimentation and deposition; Geomorphology; Hydraulics
DescriptionThe 2 square km intra-jetty area at Barnegat Inlet was formed in 1939-1940 by the construction of two converging stone jetties. A process-response model for the inlet is illustrated through an analysis of historical morphologic changes, as well as present day inlet hydraulics and sediment transport. During the 100 years prior to stabilization, changes in the position of the inlet were due primarily to a net southerly longshore drift.
In 1943, emplacement of a sand dike across the main channel in the bay lead to a decrease in the tidal prism, and a corresponding decrease in the cross-sectional area. The inlet gradually changed from ebb dominant to flood dominant with the decrease in tidal prism. A seaward reconfiguration of the flood-tidal delta also occurred after construction of the sand dike. Rapid growth of the flood delta resulted from landward transport of material by flood dominant currents along with the gradually decreasing tidal prism. Modifications to the north jetty in 1973 prevented littoral drift from entering the intra-jetty area, creating a more efficient inlet bypass system. Beginning in 1974, the bypassed longshore drift was deposited on the ebb-tidal delta. causing a sharp increase in the volume of the delta.
Presently, the cross-sectional area of the inlet is close to being in equilibrium with its hydraulic environment, and with the aid of maintenance dredging, the position of the main channel is relatively fixed. The main channel is strongly flood dominant, and shows net landward transport of material. This is explained by a greater inlet efficiency at high water than at low water, which results in a longer ebb duration. Tidal currents in the shoal area south of the channel are ebb dominant, and the net sediment transport is seaward. The stronger ebb currents are attributed to flow constriction over the shoals at low tide. Results of a fluorescent dye test conducted during flood flow indicate flow concentration in the channel along the north jetty. Dye studies during ebb flow suggest a greater flow over the shoals south of the channel.
Genrereports, masters theses
Languageeng
Organization NameNew Jersey Environmental Digital Library
RightsThis resource may be copyright protected. You may make use of this resource, with proper attribution, for educational and other non-commercial uses only. Contact the contributing organization to obtain permission for reproduction, publication, and commercial use.