Abstract: Nearshore Morphology and Sediment Characteristics Along Ward Island, Corpus Christi, Texas

WILLIAMS, DEIDRE
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Blucher Institute, Corpus Christi, TX;
NICHOLAS KRAUS
US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is sponsoring a study on the feasibility and development of a recreational beach for its campus located on Ward Island. The functional design process provided an opportunity to investigate the nearshore morphology and sediment characteristics along the southeastern shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Seasonal profile surveys were conducted from the spring of 1994 to the winter of 1996. The surveys extended the entire 2.4-km length of the northern Ward Island shoreline from the Oso Inlet to the Blind Oso Inlet. These observations identified an unusually flat and wide nearshore region. The shallow (1.1-m depth) nearshore typically extended 150-200 m offshore. The active region of sediment transport extended offshore to a depth of 1.6 m (MTL) as determined from seasonal profile surveys.

The survey data defined a well-developed longshore bar system that was previously observed visually during periods of low tide. This bar system consisted of four sandbars that shifted offshore independent of season. Bars west of the Blind Oso Inlet appear to be superimposed on a subsurface feature. This elevated nearshore region was also identified at Poenish Park, located west of Ward Island, indicating that the sandy nearshore region is a veneer over a relic shoreline.

Analysis of sediment samples collected along select transects determined a median grain size of 0.15 mm for the study area. Repetitive profile surveys taken along the same transect showed survey accuracy to within 0.02 m.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90932©1998 GCAGS/GCS-SEPM Meeting, Corpus Christi, Texas