Sediment deposition from tropical storms in the upper Chesapeake Bay: Field observations and model simulations

Abstract

Episodic flood and storm events are important drivers of sediment dynamics in estuarine and marine environments. Event-driven sedimentation has been well-documented by field and modeling studies, though both techniques have inherent limitations. A unique opportunity to integrate field observations and model results was provided in late August/early September 2011 with the passage of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in the Chesapeake Bay region. Because these two storms occurred within a relatively short period of time, both are potentially represented in the sediment record obtained during rapid-response cruises in September and October 2011. Associated sediment deposits were recognized in cores using classic flood-sediment signatures (fine grain size, uniform 7Be activity, physical stratification in x-radiographs) and were found to be <4cm, thickest in the upper Bay. A coupled hydrodynamic-sediment transport model is used to simulate the sediment plume and sediment deposition onto the seabed. The predicted deposition thickness for TS Lee is in general agreement with the observational estimates. One exception with physical stratification but no 7Be activity appears to be due to extreme wave activity during Hurricane Irene. Integration of observations and modeling in this case greatly improved understanding of the transport and fate of flood sediments in the Chesapeake Bay.