Author(s):
Yuanda Zhu* - Louisiana State University
Steven L. Namikas - Louisiana State University
David Weindorf - Louisiana State University
Abstract:
Beach surface moisture content is one of key controlling factors that regulate aeolian sediment transport and biological activities on natural beaches. Atmospheric parameters including wind speed, air temperature and relative humidity, groundwater table fluctuations, evaporation rates, and surface moisture content were monitored directly in Padre Island National Seashore during the summers of 2005 and 2006. Groundwater table oscillations, potential evaporation rates and spatial and temporal variability in surface mositure content were successfully modeled within numerical schemes based on field data of 2005. In order to further examine the applicability and accuracy of these models, independent data of 2006 are used in the present study to validate all previously developed models. All coefficients and constants, which define mainly the environmental setting of the study site, remain same as in the present study to ensure the applicability and independency of previous findings. The results of this study are expected to provide further information on the applicability of established models to longer time period or similar environmental settings.
