What This Document Is
This report details an internship project focused on the geological investigation of coastal environments. Specifically, it centers on identifying and analyzing sedimentary deposits left by high-energy coastal events – those resulting from significant storms. The work was conducted as part of an internship with the USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program, and originates from a student at the University of Rhode Island completing coursework in Coastal Management (EVS 618). It represents a focused study of how past storm events are recorded in the landscape.
Why This Document Matters
Students and researchers in coastal geology, geomorphology, and environmental science will find this report valuable. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in paleotempestology (the study of past storms), coastal hazard assessment, and understanding the long-term impacts of storms on coastal systems. Professionals involved in coastal planning and risk management may also benefit from understanding the methodologies used to differentiate between various types of coastal depositional events. This report is useful when seeking insight into real-world applications of sedimentary analysis and the challenges of reconstructing past environmental conditions.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This report presents a specific case study and does not offer a comprehensive overview of all storm deposit identification techniques. It focuses on a single location – Wesquage Pond in Rhode Island – and the methodologies employed are tailored to that environment. The report details an *ongoing* internship, meaning the findings presented represent work in progress and may be subject to further refinement. It does not provide a step-by-step guide for replicating the study, nor does it offer definitive answers regarding storm recurrence intervals or hazard probabilities.
What This Document Provides
* A description of the project goals related to distinguishing storm-related deposits from other geological formations.
* Details regarding field methods used to collect sediment samples from a coastal lagoon environment.
* An overview of laboratory techniques employed for sediment analysis, including core logging and grain size analysis.
* Discussion of how sedimentary characteristics are being used to interpret past storm events.
* Information on planned future work, including manuscript preparation for potential publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
