Erosion of rocky carbonate coastlines: Andros Island, Bahamas
Erosion of rocky carbonate coastlines has been monitored at intertidal and supratidal locations on Andros Island, Bahamas. The monitoring method involves periodic direct measurement of over 1000 points on a 0.25 square meter surface of rock. Comparisons are made between initial surface morphology and subsequent surface morphologies in order to measure rates and patterns of erosion. Rates of intertidal erosion vary from 2.5 meters/1000 years to 5.0 meters/1000 years, with an average of 3.1 meters/1000 years. The lack of wave action, combined with an absence of bioeroding organisms such as gastropods, chitons, sponges, worms and barnacles, which exist in the intertidal zone, causes the supratidal rate of erosion to be much lower than the rate of intertidal erosion. Degradation of rocky coastlines results in island retreat as well as the production of a large amount of sediment which is deposited in adjacent lagoons. Much of the sediment produced by bioerosion of these peloidal limestones exists as fecal pellets and sponge chips which are calcite. The erosion of rocky intertidal escarpments creates terraces and notches which lie near low-tide level. The width of the intertidal terraces of Andros Island aids our understanding of the duration of the most recent stillstand of sea level. Terraces and notches at other elevations indicate former stillstands.
- Research Organization:
- Miami Univ., Oxford, OH (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6613970
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8510489-
- Journal Information:
- Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Vol. 17; ISSN GAAPB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Quaternary eustatic sedimentary accretion of southern Bahamas Archipelago
Larval settlement rate: a leading determinant of structure in an ecological community of the marine intertidal zone