Ponce de Leon Inlet, Florida, Site Investigation. Report 2: Inlet Hydrodynamics: Monitoring and Interpretation of Physical Processes,

Abstract

Abstract : Field-data collection was conducted at Ponce de Leon Inlet, Florida, from 21 August 1997 through 1 November 1997 to measure wind waves, water level, and current. Six monitoring stations were deployed, one on the ebb shoal, three within the inlet, and two in the back bay north and south of the inlet. Wave data were collected in the inlet and on the ebb shoal, while water level and current were measured at all stations. During the measurement interval, waves approached predominantly from the northeast. Significant wave heights were greatest over the ebb shoal (average 0.9 m) and were reduced at the inlet stations (average of 0.6 m). Average wave period was between 8 and 9 sec, and maximum period was 14 sec. The tide at all inlet and bay stations exhibited flood dominance and exhibited net landward-directed flow. Flood dominance was strongly exhibited in the back bay and at one interior station south of the inlet; the flow rarely changed from flood to ebb. Tidal attenuation was greatest at measurement locations far from the inlet. Comparison of M2 amplitudes of water level suggests that the Coronado Beach Bridge, located south of the inlet, may be responsible for strong dissipation of tidal energy.