Technical Report CHL-98-14
May 1998
US Army Corps
of Engineers
Waterways Experiment
Station
Annual Data Summary for 1995
CHL Field Research Facility
Volume |: Main Text and Appendixes A and B
by Michael W. Leffler, Clifford F. Baron, Brian L. Scarborough,
Paul R. Hodges, C. Ray Townsend
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited
TA
oO
wat
No. CHL-
Asi
Ni
Prepared for Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising,
publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names
does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use
of such commercial products.
The findings of this report are not to be construed as an
official Department of the Army position, unless so desig-
nated by other authorized documents.
GB) eanres ON RECYCLED PAPER
Technical Report CHL-98-14
May 1998
Annual Data Summary for 1995
CHL Field Research Facility
Volume |: Main Text and Appendixes A and B
by Michael W. Leffler, Clifford F. Baron, Brian L. Scarborough,
Paul R. Hodges, C. Ray Townsend
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Waterways Experiment Station
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199
HOMO ML
Final report
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Washington, DC 20314-1000
sae
US Army Corps
of Engineers
Waterways Experiment
Station
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
U.S. ARMY ENGINEER
WATERWAYS EXPERIMENT STATION
3909 HALLS FERRY ROAD
VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPP! 39180-6199
PHONE: (601) 634-2502
AREA OF SESERVATION : 2.7 sgkm
Waterways Experiment Station Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Annual data summary for 1995 : CHL Field Research Facility / by Michael W. Leffler ... [et
al.] ; prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
2 v. : ill. ; 28 cm. — (Technical report ; CHL-98-14)
Includes bibliographic references.
v. 1. Main text and appendixes A and B—v. 2. Appendixes C through E.
1. Ocean waves — North Carolina — Duck — Statistics. 2. Water waves — North Carolina
— Duck — Statistics. 3. Oceanographic research stations — North Carolina — Duck
—Statistics. 4. Oceanography — North Carolina — Duck — Statistics. |. Leffler, Michael
W. Il. United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Ill. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways
Experiment Station. IV. Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (U.S. Army Engineer Waterways
Experiment Station) V. Title: CHL Field Research Facility annual data summary for 1995.
VI. Series: Technical report (U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station) ;
CHL-98-14.
TA7 W34 no.CHL-98-14
Contents
Page
Pe FAC Cape sarah eae Fete ayy ara Hn we Pa A CP nc OER SG ay vi
TINE OMUCTLOM es i eset er OR eae A CO eae ret ale. cere EY Tac 1
Backoroundin 09 sss: cc aioe spel Chie et aaa a me bouaas cma) s 1
@rganizationOfREPOrta ere een rein 2
Availabilityiot Data een iene eee eee emacs ane 3
PAIN KATOOOEAY Gang a ath ice. Erolo Bd 6 Gyeneo alone olene)comvanitd cinta 5
J Ake 5 bo goood ogo baogooouewcoudagooNN 6
/ATMOSPHETICELCSSUTC aan mene nee aeons are) ee 7
Precipitationenmas scree pte ase tetra Rete asti tue fieil as: Sear an 9
WindsSpeedand | Directionarrey eee ik eer 9
BS WAV ES Here hci ttt c Gs an en Manca awe merc NEES Ak Ly acca lca ae te 19
Measurement Instruments ...............------+-+-- 19
Digital Data Analysis and Summarization..............- 21
IRESULES eae Rune a era reset Ly metic, Little zee id tear 22
A (SUTTE TICS aie yay Ty ete SCENE ea Se, Tevet INTRA ls ira metal onan aes eres 35
PSE RV atoms nce ce aire teenie el eae NG uaet ene men 35
IRE SUILES Aastra te ska: taper Ueda a5 10 tg cute, ce aibale ema e a ah orks 35
5—Tidessand!Wiaterevelsi ss 5 ac cei e vcs ool ose Sueatet ease seouceens 38
Measurement Instrument ...............--.--.-.---- 38
REStITEST Naar ra ce ener trite one wert atiiees CLAS REEL ANE ANG Unautay ho ser ey fe 39
6—Wiater ChanacteniSticSaaaeaei eee naan naan nen nner rer 42
SREMPER AUT ghd eeu crear ase aN pee MP cats Gee eeu aes. Sass 43
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S=-Photography ee vep cance N pcmeac wets eee Raa ern Coe enone
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23-29 January ilOOS eae ae ence lesen:
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SEZ OPAUCUSTOOS | Aree Shennan, senate isis a tebomewen ce tee cre
DEIAUSUSERIOO Dis 22) Geren aie oe ey ne Raa Tals me gue Glia ame
1OFSeptember O95 teres ase ee eae ey cenit wele
23eSeptem ber 995) aae incre ia ieee a ee
29230) Septembersl O95 ane acre at ety eo isn er en a
IREFETENCES ened sree eee coats ovement sais) eee crap emer eee
Ap pendixeAcE SULV cys atau y arin lemen ten ea ee an ea eI
AppendixgB -aawave mata tom Gauge.O30 00) freien cie reer
Delhy Jel eWel Wo cobb cosde ab eewdoccobatend buss
Joint Distributionsyof wipe vand) Tye nes ene crs ieee
Cumulative Distributions of Wave Height ..............
Peak Spectral Wave Period Distributions ...............
Persistence of Wave Heights ...................-.--.-
SPECt a rarcr tere acne etre ae cil aroatey sore emtel erteteeie Rome Ricaae aa
Appendixa€:. Wave DatastomGaures Gi ma. mnie
DENI? Jel fil Jo oo oko snus eacoseanososoonDoses
Joint, Distributions ote and yee yrs ert cerry eye
Cumulative Distributions of Wave Height ..............
Peak Spectral Wave Period Distributions ...............
Persistence of Wave Heights .............---.-++----
Spectra: ose n ete crecnens Cee eet enna ened cased geen la
1 A limited number of copies of Appendixes C-E (Volume II) were published under separate
cover. Copies are available from National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal
Road, Springfield, VA 22161.
Appendix) Ds WaveyD ata for Gauge 625i) 4-) ae es eae D1
Db atl yap Ed yarn Tool.) opus suis iG tees epee ake tae ae Ne D1
Joint Distributions of He. and is veer een D1
Cumulative Distributions of Wave Height .............. D1
Peak Spectral Wave Period Distributions ............... D2
JHEPINENES OWEN ISON 258 6cgcabocodecegocabous D2
SPE Cli ah se res 2 arcs eta OeUee oAlee ral ae mae pes erg eae e D2
AppendixgE = Wave Datalfor Gaugelo4l Cannery eeu El
Daily re and 8 rai. yaucbestis act ty cos ae epee we is ecnicde Sel E1
Joint Distributions iol ein .an delay lie eerie El
Cumulative Distributions of Wave Height .............. El
Peak Spectral Wave Period Distributions ............... E2
RersistenceOfaWiaveyELe1onits serie a nea aire E2
SS) BLLELIIE: Vern gn eh BPO ae erm inter se Ad Vda 8 91 a) te al ma E2
SF 298
Preface
This report is the 17th in a series of annual data summaries authorized by Headquarters, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (HQUSACE), under the Civil Works Research and Development Program,
Work Unit 32525, "Field Research Facility Analysis." Funds were provided through the U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES), Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), under the
program management of Ms. Carolyn M. Holmes. The HQUSACE Technical Monitors were Messrs.
John H. Lockhart, Jr., Charles Chesnutt, and Barry W. Holliday.
Data for the report were collected and analyzed at the WES/CHL Field Research Facility
(FRF) in Duck, NC. The report was prepared by Mr. Michael W. Leffler, FRF, under the direct
supervision of Mr. William A. Birkemeier, Chief, FRF Group, Engineering Development Division
(EDD), and Mr. Thomas W. Richardson, Chief, EDD; and under the general supervision of Dr. James
R. Houston and Mr. Charles C. Calhoun, Jr., Director and Assistant Director, CHL, respectively.
Messrs. Kent K. Hathaway and Paul Hodges assisted with instrumentation. Messrs. Brian L. Scar-
borough and C. Raymond Townsend, FRF, with Messrs. Christopher Goshow and Kevin M. Kremkau
assisted with data collection. Mr. Clifford F. Baron assisted with data analysis. The National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration/National Ocean Service maintained the tide gauge and provided
statistics for summarization.
At the time of publication of this report, Director of WES was Dr. Robert W. Whalin.
Commander was COL Robin R. Cababa, EN.
The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication
or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an
Official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products.
1 Introduction
Background
The U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Coastal and
Hydraulics Laboratory’s' (CHL), Field Research Facility (FRF), located on
0.7 km? at Duck, NC (Figure 1), consists of a 561-m-long research pier and
accompanying office and field support buildings. The FRF is located near
the middle of Currituck Spit along a 100-km unbroken stretch of shoreline
extending south of Rudee Inlet, VA, to Oregon Inlet, NC. The FRF is
bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Currituck Sound to the
west. The facility is designed to (a) provide a rigid platform from which
waves, currents, water levels, and bottom elevations can be measured,
especially during severe storms; (b) provide CHL with field experience and
data to complement laboratory and analytical studies and numerical models;
(c) provide a manned field facility for testing new instrumentation; and
(d) serve as a permanent field base of operations for physical and biological
studies of the site and adjacent region.
The research pier is a reinforced concrete structure supported on
0.9-m-diam steel piles spaced 12.2 m apart along the pier's length and
4.6 m apart across the width. The piles are embedded approximately 20 m
below the ocean bottom. The pier deck is 6.1 m wide and extends from
behind the duneline to about the 6-m water depth contour at a height of
7.8 m above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). The pilings
are protected against sand abrasion by concrete erosion collars and against
corrosion by a cathodic system.
An FRF Measurements and Analysis Program has been established to
collect basic oceanographic and meteorological data at the site, reduce and
analyze these data, and publish the results.
; Formerly the Coastal Engineering Research Center
Chapter 1 Introduction
This report, which summarizes data for 1995, continues a series of
reports begun in 1977.
S ATLANTIC OCEAN
Figure 1. FRF location map
Organization of Report
This report is organized into nine chapters and five appendixes.
Chapter 1 is an introduction; Chapters 2 through 8 discuss the various data
collected during the year; and Chapter 9 describes the storms that oc-
curred. Appendix A presents the bathymetric surveys, Appendix B
summarizes deepwater wave statistics, and Appendixes C through E
(published under separate cover as Volume II) contain summary statistics
for other gauges.
In each chapter of this report, the respective instruments used for
monitoring the meteorological or oceanographic conditions are briefly
Chapter 1 Introduction
described, along with data collection and analysis procedures and data
results. The instruments were interfaced with the primary data acquisition
system, a Digital Equipment Corporation (Maynard, MA) VAX-11/750
minicomputer until June 1994 when it was replaced with a Digital
Equipment Corporation VAXstation 4000 located in the FRF laboratory
building. More detailed explanations of the design and the operation of the
instruments may be found in Miller (1980). Readers' comments on the
format and usefulness of the data presented are encouraged.
Availability of Data
Table 1 summarizes the available data. In addition to the wave data
summaries in the main text, more extensive summaries for each of the wave
gauges are provided in Appendixes B through E.
Table 1
1995 Data Availability
Gauge Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Anemometer 932 * * * % # Ok Rk Ok kOe kk ke ek ek ee ke ek ke ek ke ke kkk kek kok koe ee ek
Atm Pres. 616 * * * % % eke kk RRR ek kk ee ek eke ek kk ke eee kk kk eke ee ek ek
Air Terp 624 8 ek Re RR ke eek ok eee ek kek eke ke kkk ke oe ok ee ee
Precip. 604 ee ee ee ke ek kak ee ee ake ok ae ok ee ek eek ede eae eke eek ee eee ek
Waves
Waverider GOR RR KKK RRR RRR RR ee ee eR ek 7 ke Pk RRR RR RR Ke
&m Press. WERE RRR RRR KKK KR RR RR Re ee ee ke ek ke ek ek ew kk kk ek ke
EOP Press. 625 * ERR KKK KKK KK KAKA RRR RR RR eR RR RR RR RR RR RR KK RR
Pier Nshre 641 * * *¥ # ¥ kk wR eR kk RR RR ee ek kk ek ee kk kk ek ke ek ke ke kk kk kk kk kk ee
Currents
Pier End KERR KKEKEKEKEKEKE KKK KKE KKK KKK KKK KK KKK KKK KKK KAEKKEK KKK KKK KK KEK
Pier Nrshre KEK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KEKE KKK KEK KKK KEKEK KKK KKK KKK KEK KEKE EE
Beach keke keke keke KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KK KEK
EOP Tide Gage * *** #4 eee kee RAR RR RR RR RR Re ee RE Re KX K
Water Characteristics
Temperature Re KEKE KK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KEK KKK KKK KEKE KEK
Visibility kkk KEK KKK KK KKK KKK KKK KK KKK KKK KK KKK KKK KKK KKK KK KEK KE KK
Density KKK KEKKEKKAKAKRKKKKKR KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK Kh kkk KK kK Ke
Bathymetry * * * * * *
Photography
Beach
Aerial
kek KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK
*
Notes: * Full week of data obtained.
/ Less than 7 days of data obtained.
- No data obtained.
Chapter 1 Introduction
The annual data summary herein summarizes daily observations by
month and year to provide basic data for analysis by users. Daily measure-
ments and observations have already been reported in a series of monthly
Preliminary Data Summaries (FRF 1995). If individual data for the present
year are needed, the user can obtain detailed information (as well as the
monthly and previous annual reports) from the following address:
USAE Waterways Experiment Station
Field Research Facility
1261 Duck Rd.
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949-4472
Much of this data is now also available via the World Wide Web at:
http://www.frf.usace.army.mil
Although the data collected at the FRF are designed primarily to
support ongoing CHL research, use of the data by others is encouraged.
Tidal data other than the summaries in this report can be obtained directly
from the following address:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
ATTN: Tide Analysis Branch
Rockville, MD 20852
A complete explanation of the exact data desired for specific dates
and times will expedite filling any request; an explanation of how the data
will be used will help CHL or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA)/National Ocean Service (NOS) determine whether
other relevant data are available. For information regarding the availability
of data for all years, contact the FRF at (252) 261-3511. Costs for
collecting, copying, and mailing will be borne by the requester.
Chapter 1 Introduction
2 Meteorology
This chapter summarizes the meteorological measurements made during
the current year and in combination with all previous years. Meteorological
measurements during storms are given in Chapter 9.
Mean air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed and direction
were computed for each data file, which consisted of data sampled two times per
second for 34 min every 6 hr beginning at or about 0100, 0700, 1300, and 1900 hr
eastern standard time (EST); these hours correspond to the time that the National
Weather Service (NWS) creates daily synoptic weather maps. During storms,
data recordings were made more frequently. Meteorological data are summarized
in Table 2.
Table 2
Meteorological Statistics
Mean Mean Wind Resultants
Air Temperature Atmospheric Pres. Precipitation, mm 1995 1980-1995
deg C Mb 1995 1978-1995 Speed Direction Speed Direction
Month 1995 19835-1995 _ 1995 1983-1995 Total Mean Maxima Minima m/s deg m/sec deg
Jan 7.1 1016.1 1017.8 110 331
Feb 1016.0 1017.3 74
Mar 1018.7 1016.0 106
1015.1 1014.2 90
1014.8 1015.7 79
1015.3 1015.1 91
1016.2 1015.9 96
1015.6 1016.3 111
1017.3 1017.6 82
1017.2 1018.6 82
1018.0 1018.4
1018.6 1019.2
°
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Chapter 2 Meteorology
Air Temperature
The FRF enjoys a typical marine climate that moderates the temperature
extremes of both summer and winter.
Measurement instruments
A Yellow Springs Instrument Company, Inc. (YSI) (Yellow Springs, OH),
electronic temperature probe with analog output interfaced to the FRF's computer
was operated beside the NWS's meteorological instrument shelter located 43 m
behind the dune (Figure 2). To ensure proper temperature readings,
Pressure Gauge
No..111
0.9 km offshore
Baylor Gauge No. 625
ee
B Pressure Gauge No. 641
“ % : Tide Gauge
Sion
No. 865-1370
” Waverider Buoy
No. 630
6 km offshore
Figure 2 . FRF gauge locations
Chapter 2 Meteorology
the probe was installed 3 m above ground inside a protective cover to shade it
from direct sun, yet provide proper ventilation.
Results
Daily and average air temperature values are tabulated in Table 2 and
shown in Figure 3.
Year Mean,-C
—* 1995 18.5
@----© 1983-95 16.0
O
°
©
L
=)
=
o
=
©
Q
©
ke
=
<x
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
Figure 3. Daily air temperature values with monthly means
Atmospheric Pressure
Measurement instruments
Electronic atmospheric pressure sensor. Atmospheric pressure was
measured with a YSI electronic sensor with analog output located in the laboratory
building at 9 m above NGVD. Data were recorded on the FRF computer. Data
from this gauge were compared with those from an NWS aneroid
barometer to ensure proper operation.
Chapter 2 Meteorology
Microbarograph. A Weathertronics, Incorporated (Sacramento, CA),
recording aneroid sensor (microbarograph) located in the laboratory building was
also used to continuously record atmospheric pressure variation.
The microbarograph was compared daily with the NWS aneroid
barometer, and adjustments were made as necessary. Maintenance of the
microbarograph consisted of inking the pen, changing the chart paper, and winding
the clock every 7 days. During the summer, a meteorologist from the NWS
checked and verified the operation of the barometer.
The microbarograph was read and inspected daily using the following
procedure:
The pen was zeroed (where applicable).
The chart time was checked and corrected, if necessary.
The daily reading was marked on the chart for reference.
The starting and ending chart times were recorded, as necessary.
New charts were installed, when needed.
sacs
Results
Daily and average atmospheric pressure values are presented in
Figure 4, and summary statistics are presented in Table 2.
Year Mean, mb
xx 1995 1016.6
@----0 1983-95 1016.9
a
E
©
=
>)
12)
no
)
=
a
Oo
=
©
fe
Q
129)
fe)
=
=
<
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
Figure 4. Daily barometric pressure values with monthly means
Chapter 2 Meteorology
Precipitation
Precipitation is generally well distributed throughout the year.
Precipitation from mid-latitude cyclones (northeasters) predominates in the
winter, whereas local convection (thunderstorms) accounts for most of the
summer rainfall.
Measurement instruments
Electronic rain gauge. A Belfort Instrument Company (Baltimore,
MD) 30-cm weighing rain gauge, located near the instrument shelter 47 m
behind the dune, measured daily precipitation. According to the manufacturer,
the instrument's accuracy was 0.5 percent for precipitation amounts less than
15 cm and 1.0 percent for amounts greater than 15 cm.
The rain gauge was inspected daily; however, the analog chart recorder
was inoperable the entire year.
Plastic rain gauge. An Edwards Manufacturing Company (Alberta
Lea, MN) True Check 15-cm-capacity clear plastic rain gauge with a 0.025-cm
resolution was used to monitor the performance of the weighing rain gauge.
This gauge was located near the weighing gauge, and the gauges were com-
pared on a daily basis. Very few discrepancies were identified during the year.
Results
Daily and monthly average precipitation values are shown in Figure 5.
Statistics of total precipitation for each month during this year and average
totals for all years combined are presented in Table 2.
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds at the FRF are dominated by tropical maritime air masses that
create low to moderate, warm southern breezes; arctic and polar air masses that
produce cold winds from northerly directions; and smaller scale cyclonic, low
pressure systems, which originate either in the tropics (and move north along
the coast) or on land (and move eastward offshore). The dominant wind direc-
tion changes with the season, being generally from northern directions in the
fall and winter and from southern directions in the spring and summer. It is
common for fall and winter storms (northeasters) to produce winds with
average speeds in excess of 15 m/sec.
Chapter 2 Meteorology
10
Year Total, mm
x——* 1995 1256
@----© 1980-95 1082
E
E
es
(2)
g
1o)
2
O
v
ao
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
Figure 5. Daily precipitation values with monthly totals
Measurement instrument
Winds were measured at the seaward end of the pier at an elevation of
19.1 m (Figure 2) using a Weather Measure Corporation (Sacramento, CA)
Skyvane Model W102P anemometer. Wind speed and direction data were
collected on the FRF computer. The anemometer manufacturer specifies an
accuracy of +0.45 m/sec below 13 m/sec and 3 percent at speeds above
13 m/sec, with a threshold of 0.9 m/sec. Wind direction accuracy is +2 deg,
with a resolution of less than 1 deg. The anemometer is calibrated annually at
the National Bureau of Standards in Gaithersburg, MD, and is within the
manufacturer's specifications.
Chapter 2: Meteorology
Results
Annual and monthly joint probability distributions of wind speed
versus direction were computed. Wind speeds were resolved into 3-m/sec
intervals, whereas the directions were at 22.5-deg intervals (i.e., 16-point
compass direction specifications). These distributions are presented as wind
"roses," such that the length of the petal represents the frequency of occurrence
of wind blowing from the specified direction, and the width of the petal is
indicative of the speed. Resultant directions and speeds were also determined
by vector-averaging the data (see Table 2). Wind statistics are presented in
Figures 6-8.
Chapter 2 Meteorology
11
N
337.50.0 995
315.0 0
45
292.5 a tp Pee
ml)
Ww 90.0E
270.0 f=
e Qe
247.5 fi Ley 112.5
225.0 [sooo
202.5 180.097"
S
1995
Speed 1.1 m/s
Direction 359 deg
N
337.50.0 995
315.0 5.0
67.5
Boer ys
292.5 a I
W 990.0 = | 90.0E
EL | wey 112.5
225.0 135.0
202.5 180.0 ="?
S
1980-1995
Speed 0.8 m/s
Direction 351 deg
Frequency, %
Figure 6. Annual wind roses
Chapter 2 Meteorology
N N
337.50.0 995 337.50.0 995
315.0 315.0 ;
: Bau wt 7 67.5
ry, 3
W 90.0E W — 90.0E
27.0.0) = 270.0 (ar
3S
@
247.5 WA. wd 112.5 247.5 / i 3 * 112.5
225.0 135-0 225.0
202.5 180.0 97° 202.5 180.0
S S
JANUARY FEBRUARY
Speed 1.9 m/s Speed 2.4 m/s
Direction 316 deg Direction 309 deg
135.0
157.5
292.5
Wi Y W 270.0 o
247.5 Pr & Tw c 247.5 ¢4
225.0 s 225.0
202.5 180.0 202.5 180.0
S S
MARCH APRIL
Speed 2.9 m/s Speed 0.7 m/s
Direction 5 deg Direction 77 deg
Frequency, %
Figure 7. Monthly wind roses for 1995 (Sheet 1 of 3)
Chapter 2 Meteorology
14
N
337.50.0 995
315.0 45.0
292.5 AY 7,
Wome oC =i 90.0E
Sy <>
247.5 f i LN 112.5
135.0
67.5
225.0
202.5 180.0 °°
S
MAY
Speed 0.5 m/s
Direction 136 deg
315.0
292.5
Ww — 90.0E
270.0 S
ny, re 112.5
135.0
202.5 180.0 ©”">
S
JULY
Speed 2.2 m/s
Direction 181 deg
Frequency, %
Figure 7. (Sheet 2 of 3)
N
337.50.0 995
45.0
A
292.5 ale Whe ors
& Fs
W700 oe — 90.0E
¢ S
247.5 ¢] " yb 112.5
225.0 135.0
202.5 180.0'°7"°
S
JUNE
Speed 1.5 m/s
Direction 65 deg
N
337.50.0 995
oo
315.0 )
202.5 180.0
S
AUGUST
Speed 2.8 m/s
Direction 30 deg
Chapter 2: Meteorology
ie)
9
90.0E
3
N N
337.5 0.0 337.50.0 995
315.0 45.0
Oe
Woes) A
292.5 2 VA : S
Ps
comm)
a aa: ¢
207.5 Og io 112.5
225.0 135.0
202.5 180.0 97-5 202.5 180.0 97:5
S S
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Speed 4.4 m/s Speed 0.5 m/s
Direction 43 deg Direction 68 deg
N N
337/510:0)) 551s B/S OO on 5
315.0
AM é 67.5
10)
45.
a} 5 67.5
aN Fs
W 270.0 os 90.0E Ww |
270.0 o=
055 L b ae wis” ¢ 4 a Y
225.0 :
SR 135.0
202.5 180.0 7°
202.5 180.0 '7->
S Ss
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Speed 3.1 m/s Speed 2.9 m/s
Direction 293 deg Direction 322 deg
90.0E
112.5
Frequency, %
Figure 7. (Sheet 3 of 3)
Chapter 2 Meteorology
N
337.50.0 995
315.0
N
337.50.0 995
y 1 45.0 315.0 q
f. 67.5 a ie
292.5 a , 292.5
en as 5 90.0E W 970.0 = 90.0E
247. eo; ee 112.5
225.0 135.0
202.5 180.0 7"
S
JANUARY
Speed 2.2 m/s
Direction 331 deg
N
337.50.0 995
315.0 45.0
247.5 "Spur me 112.5
225.0 135.0
(5725)
202.5 180.0
S
FEBRUARY
Speed 1.9 m/s
Direction 341 deg
N
337.50.0 995
315.0 45.0
292.5 i: ; ee 292.5 ale, cis
W 970.0 iz S 90.0E Wee ee S 2 90.0E
247.5 “ti “we 112.5 247.5 ar Ty 112.5
225.0 135.0 225.0 135.0
202.5 180.0 7? 202.5 180.0 ">
S
MARCH
Speed 1.3 m/s
Direction 351 deg
S
APRIL
Speed 0.2 m/s
Direction 320 deg
Frequency, %
Figure 8. Monthly wind roses for 1980 through 1995 (Sheet 1 of 3)
Chapter 2 Meteorology
N
337.50.0 995
315.0 45.0
292.5 es I>,
W 970.0 cal
247. y ff we
225.0
157.5
202.5 180.0
S
MAY
Speed 0.3 m/s
Direction 150 deg
N
337.50.0 995
67.5
90.0E
112.5
135.0
315.0 45.0
292.5 Pec i>
XG Da
W 570.0 —_ =>
aoe
202.5 180.0 °7>
S
JULY
Speed 2.0 m/s
Direction 206 deg
Figure 8. (Sheet 2 of 3)
Chapter 2 Meteorology
67.5
90.0E
112.5
135.0
Frequency, %
N
337.50.0 995
315.0 45.0
292.5 att is eee
ro
Ww 270.0 2 90.0E
Y) iw 112.5
225.0 135.0
202.5 180.0 °7"°
S
JUNE
Speed 1.0 m/s
Direction 184 deg
N
337.50.0 995
HEZS)
225.0 135.0
202.5 180.0 7°
S
AUGUST
Speed 0.5 m/s
Direction 84 deg
17
18
N
337.50.0 995
315.0
AY
270.0 2
247.5 °
225.0 135.0
202.5 180.0 7°
S
90.0E
cml
Sy
\
112.5
SEPTEMBER
Speed 2.0 m/s
Direction 39 deg
N
337.50.0 995
315.0 45.0
292.5 ant 2 ee,
W 90.0E
270.0 & is
247.5 “Cy . 112.5
225.0 135.0
APB comes
S
NOVEMBER
Speed 1.7 m/s
Direction 347 deg
Frequency, %
Figure 8. (Sheet 3 of 3)
N
337.50.0 995
202.5 180.0
S
OCTOBER
Speed 2.3 m/s
Direction 26 deg
N
337.50.0 995
315.0
5.0
a! 5 67.5
292 SN VA
202.5 180.0'°/°
S
DECEMBER
Speed 2.4 m/s
Direction 331 deg
Chapter 2 Meteorology
3 Waves
This chapter presents summaries of the wave data. A discussion of
individual major storms is given in Chapter 9 and contains additional wave data
for times when wave heights exceeded 2 m at the seaward end of the FRF pier.
Appendixes B through E provide more extensive data summaries for each gauge,
including height and period distributions, wave direction distributions, persistence
tables, and spectra during storms.
Wave directions (similar to wind directions) at the FRF are seasonally
distributed. Waves approach most frequently from north of the pier in the fall and
winter and south of the pier in the summer, with the exception of storm waves that
approach twice as frequently from north of the pier. Annually, waves are
approximately evenly distributed between north and south (resultant wave direc-
tion being almost shore-normal).
Measurement Instruments
The wave gauges included one wave staff gauge (Gauge 625), one buoy
gauge (Gauge 630), and two pressure gauges (Gauges 111 and 641) as shown in
Figure 2. Staff gauge 645 failed in May 1992 and was replaced by
pressure gauge 641 at the same location. The gauges were located as follows:
Distance Offshore Water Depth Operational
Gauge Type/Number from Baseline Period
Continuous wire (645) 238 m 5 11/84-05/92
Pressure Gauge (641) 238 m ap) 11/92-12/95
Continuous wire (625) 567 m 11/78-12/95
Accelerometer buoy (630) 6 km 11/78-12/95
Staff gauges
One Baylor Company (Houston, TX) parallel cable inductance wave
gauge (Gauge 625 at sta 18+60 (Figure 2)) was mounted on the FRF pier.
Rugged and reliable, this gauge requires little maintenance except to keep tension
Chapter 3 Waves
20
on the cables and to remove any material that may cause an electrical short
between them. It was calibrated prior to installation by creating an electrical short
between the two cables at known distances along the cable and recording the
voltage output. Electronic signal conditioning amplifiers are used to ensure that
the output signals from the gauge are within a 0- to 5-V range. Manufacturer-
stated gauge accuracy is about 1.0 percent, with a 0.1-percent
full-scale resolution; full scale is 14 m for Gauge 625. This gauge is susceptible
to lightning damage, but protective measures have been taken to minimize such
occurrences. A more complete description of the gauges’ operational
characteristics is given by Grogg (1986).
Buoy gauge
One Datawell Laboratory for Instrumentation (Haarlem, The Netherlands)
Waverider buoy gauge (Gauge 630) measures the vertical acceleration produced
by the passage of a wave. The acceleration signal is double-integrated to produce
a displacement signal transmitted by radio to an onshore receiver. The manufac-
turer stated that wave amplitudes are correct to within 3 percent of their actual
value for wave frequencies between 0.065 and 0.500 Hz (corresponding to 15- to
2-sec wave periods). The manufacturer also specified that the error gradually
increased to 10 percent for wave periods in excess of
20 sec. The results in this report were not corrected for the manufacturer's
specified amplitude errors. However, the buoy was calibrated semiannually to
ensure that it was within the manufacturer's specification.
Pressure gauges
One Senso-Metrics, Incorporated (Simi Valley, CA), pressure
transduction gauge (Gauge 111) installed near the ocean bottom measures the
pressure changes produced by the passage of waves creating an output signal that
is linear and proportional to pressure when operated within its design limits.
Predeployment and postdeployment calibrations are performed at the FRF using a
static deadweight tester. The sensor's range is 0 to 25 psi (equivalent to 0 to 17 m
of seawater) above atmospheric pressure with a manufacturer-stated accuracy of
+0.25 percent. Copper scouring pads are installed at the sensor's diaphragm to
reduce biological fouling, and the system is periodically cleaned by divers.
One Paroscientific, Incorporated (Redmond, WA) pressure transduction
gauge (Gauge 641) was installed near the ocean bottom on an instrument pile
under the pier at station 7+80. Calibration is similar to that performed on
Gauge 111. The sensor's range is 0 to 45 psia (equivalent to 0 to 30 m of
seawater) with a manufacturer-stated accuracy of +0.01 percent. A perforated
copper/nickel plate protects the sensor's diaphragm from biological fouling, and
the system is periodically cleaned by divers.
Chapter 3 Waves
Digital Data Analysis and Summarization
The data were collected, analyzed, and then archived on optical disk using
the FRF's VAX computer. Data sets were normally collected every 3 hr. For
each gauge, a data set consisted of five contiguous records of 4,096 points
recorded at 0.5 Hz (approximately 34-min long), for a total of 2 hr and
50 minutes, resulting in only a 10-min gap between data sets. Analysis was
performed on individual 34-min records.
The analysis program computes the first moment (mean) and the second
moment about the mean (variance) and then edits the data by checking for
"jumps," "spikes," and points exceeding the voltage limit of the gauge. A jump is
defined as a data value greater than five standard deviations from the previous
data value, whereas a spike is a data value more than five standard deviations
from the mean. If less than five consecutive jumps or spikes are found, the
program linearly interpolates between acceptable data and replaces the erroneous
data values. The editing stops if the program finds more than five consecutive
jumps or spikes, or more than a total of 100 bad points, or the variance of the volt-
age is below 1 x 10° squared volts. The statistics and diagnostics from the
analysis are saved.
Sea surface energy spectra are computed from the edited time series.
Spectral estimates are computed from smaller data segments obtained by
dividing the 4,096-point record into several 512-point segments. The estimates are
then ensemble-averaged to produce a more accurate spectrum. These data
segments are overlapped by 50 percent (known as the Welch (1967) method)
which has been shown to produce better statistical properties than nonoverlapped
segments. The mean and linear trends are removed from each segment prior to
spectral analysis. To reduce side-lobe leakage in the spectral
estimates, a data window was applied. The first and last 10 percent of data points
were multiplied by a cosine bell (Bingham, Godfrey, and Tukey 1967). Spectra
were computed from each segment with a discrete Fast Fourier
Transform and then ensemble-averaged. Sea surface spectra from subsurface
pressure gauges were obtained by applying the linear wave theory transfer
function.
Unless otherwise stated, wave height in this report refers to the energy-
based parameter H,,, defined as four times the zeroth moment wave height of
the estimated sea surface spectrum (i.e., four times the square root of the
variance) computed from the spectrum passband. Energy computations from
the spectra are limited to a passband between 0.05 and 0.50 Hz for surface
gauges and between 0.05 Hz and a high-frequency cutoff for subsurface
gauges. This high-frequency limit is imposed to eliminate aliased energy and
noise measurements from biasing the computation of H,,, and is defined as the
frequency where the linear theory transfer function is less than 0.1
(spectral values are multiplied by 100 or more). Smoother and more
statistically significant spectral estimates are obtained by band-averaging
contiguous spectral components (three components are averaged per band,
Chapter 3 Waves
21
producing a frequency band width of 0.0117 Hz).
Wave period 7, is defined as the period associated with the maximum
energy band in the spectrum, which is computed using a 3-point running
average band on the spectrum. The peak period is reported as the reciprocal of
the center frequency (i.e., 7, = 1/frequency) of the spectral band with the
highest energy. A detailed description of the analysis techniques is presented
in an unpublished report by Andrews (1987).'
Results
The wave conditions for the year are shown in Figure 9. For all four
gauges, the distributions of wave height for the current year and all years com-
bined are presented in Figures 10 and 11, respectively. Distributions of wave
period are presented in Figure 12.
Multiple-year comparisons of data for Gauge 111 actually incorporate
data for 1985 and 1986 from Gauge 640 (a discontinued Waverider buoy
previously located at the approximate depth and distance offshore of Gauge
111) and data for 1987 from Gauge 141, located 30 m south of Gauge 111. In
addition, Gauge 511 was used from January through October 1993.
Multiple-year data for Gauge 641 also include data from Gauge 645 (a Baylor
staff gauge) which was mounted at the same location as Gauge 641 from
November 1984 until May 1992, when it failed.
Refraction, bottom friction, and wave breaking contribute to the
observed differences in height and period. During the most severe storms
when the wave heights exceed 3 m at the seaward end of the pier, the surf zone
(wave breaking) has been observed to extend past the end of the pier and
occasionally 1 km offshore. This occurrence is a major reason for the
differences in the distributions between Gauge 630 and the inshore gauges.
The wave height statistics for the pressure gauge (Gauge 641), located at the
landward end of the pier, were considerably lower than those for the other
gauges. In all but the calmest conditions, this gauge is within the breaker
zone. Consequently, these statistics represent a lower energy wave climate.
1M. E. Andrews. (1987). "Standard wave data analysis procedures for coastal engineering
applications," unpublished report prepared for U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment
Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Chapter 3 Waves
Jun
13 5 7 9 1113 15 17 19 2123252729 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 2123 25 27 29 31
Day of the Month
S57 0 NSB WD M2827 1357 9 Nii Y © 21282327 ew wt
Day of the Month
Figure 9. 1995 time-histories of wave height and period for Gauge 630
Chapter 3 Waves
23
E
ic
oe
oO
ae
OR 10° “10
Percent Greater Than Indicated
Figure 10. 1995 annual wave height distributions
GW
sf
J
4
|
=|
|
|
4
:
al
4
4
|
=
5]
1
iO 10° 10
Percent Greater Than Indicated
Figure 11. Annual distribution of wave heights for 1980 through 1995
on Chapter 3 Waves
Gauge 625 1995 | Gauge 625 1980-95
20-4 7 al
| y) | : VIZ Z
| _plBoatlon_|_..0aelhboo
4075
=
Gauge 630 1995 Gauge 630 1980-95
|_effaoelo.1_nAageBZboo_
Gauge 111 1995 Gauge 111 1985-95
iY Acre
| _.o@oodleo1_onBolAoo
40
i Gauge 641 Gauge 641 1980-95
~
o
O
e
=
=
=
)
O
oO
om
3
>
S
S
®
>)
a
2
uc
Z Y,
oa - WA F
aA VIO ; | CAGE
Dea F 86 7 8 9 0 2 ie ie 8 910 12 14 16
Period, sec eriod, sec
Figure 12. Annual wave period distributions for all gauges
Summary wave statistics for the current year and all years combined
are presented for Gauge 630 in Table 3.
Chapter 3 Waves
Table 3
Wave Statistics for Gauge 630
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Annual
26
1995 1980-1995
Height Period Height Period
Std. Std. Std. Std.
Mean Dev. Extreme Mean Dev. Number Mean Dev. Extreme Mean Dev.
m om _om Date sec _sec
UUWRONERRRAUG
:
‘
.
.
.
°
. CE OieiteeOie One) ee
oa ONONUANMNUNAUN
.
oe se
FUOFN-WADOMWO—=
.
ee
e 8
.
OP OWUNOWAOUONON
UNFUNODWWOON OW
HNNNNNNNWNNW
ONUDmMUOMNWNO
OoO0O0O00 0000000
‘ SOOO SCS E26
Oo REABNDAONDY
MMO OM MVYOO MMO
WoaNWoeonaankro
NNNMNMNN WNW NM PH Ph PP
!
OOO0O0O0C0COCO0C0C0C°O
NNNNAF AH AH AaANNNN
ROW -DCANANANO®D
=] 92220000 = = a=
. O60 ar
NPN -ANWDONNN
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oa
S
N
oo
i
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ul
=
(=)
f=)
on
a
5
=
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W
N
Annual joint distributions of wave height versus wave period for
Gauge 630 are presented for 1995 in Table 4, and for all years combined in
Table 5. Similar distributions for the other gauges are included in Appendixes
B-E.
Annual distributions of wave directions (relative to true north) based
on daily observations of direction at the seaward end of the pier and height
from Gauge 625 (or Gauge 111 when data for Gauge 625 were unavailable) are
shown in Figure 13. Monthly wave roses for 1995 and all years combined are
presented in Figures 14 and 15, respectively.
Chapter 3 Waves
Table 4
Annual (1995) Joint Distribution of H_. versus 7, for Gau
mo p
Period, sec
e 8 8 8
ororOoOrROF
WWNrmHN--ooO
Greater 3 6 Q ° . c
Total 36 144 532 1148 1377 1141
1 Percent occurrence (x100) of height and period.
Table 5
Annual (1980-1995) Joint Distribution of H
Height, m
ououoUoOWUoOWOo
o00o00000000
'
'
WWrHNA] oOo
e 8 8 8 © 8 « 28
orOoOrOrOL
0 00000 0 0
UPN mp] R-] O°
o ss «8 a
- Greater 6 5 - J O O
Total 57 160 458 1150 1406 1116
1 Percent occurrence (x100) of height and period.
Chapter 3 Waves
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 _13.9 _15.9 _Longer
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
13.9
Total
27
1995
Height 0.8 m
Direction 66 deg
1980-1995
Height 0.8 m
Direction 66 deg
Height, m
20
Frequency, %
Figure 13. Annual wave roses
28
Chapter 3 Waves
Chapter 3 Waves
S
JANUARY
Height 0.9 m
Direction 65 deg
S
MARCH
Height 1.0 m
Direction 65 deg
Height, m
0) 20
Frequency, %
FEBRUARY
Height 0.6 m
Direction 55 deg
a
6 we] 90.0E
ae
112.5
S
APRIL
Height 0.7 m
Direction 67 deg
Figure 14. Monthly wave roses for 1995 (Sheet 1 of 3)
29
30
Height 0.8 m
Direction 70 deg
S
JULY
Height 0.5 m
Direction 89 deg
(0)
Figure 14. (Sheet 2 of 3)
Height, m
20
Frequency, %
S
JUNE
Height 0.6 m
Direction 73 deg
S
AUGUST
Height 1.1 m
Direction 73 deg
Chapter 3 Waves
S) S
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Height 1.1 m Height 0.8 m
Direction 63 deg Direction 76 deg
157.5
S S
NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Height 0.7 m Height 0.7 m
Direction 53 deg Direction 53 deg
Height, m
0 20 40 60 80
Frequency, %
Figure 14. (Sheet 3 of 3)
Chapter 3 Waves
32
JANUARY
Height 0.9 m
Direction 58 deg
MARCH
Height 0.9 m
Direction 64 deg
Figure 15. Monthly wave roses for 1980 through 1995 (Sheet 1 of 3)
0)
112.5
135.0
157.5
S
FEBRUARY
Height 0.9 m
Direction 58 deg
APRIL
Height 0.8 m
Direction 68 deg
20
Frequency, %
Chapter 3 Waves
Height 0.7 m
Direction 72 deg
JULY
Height 0.4 m
Direction 85 deg
Figure 15. (Sheet 2 of 3)
Chapter 3 Waves
(0)
JUNE
Height 0.5 m
Direction 78 deg
AUGUST
Height 0.6 m
Direction 76 deg
Height, m
20
Frequency, %
33
34
SEPTEMBER
Height 0.8 m
Direction 69 deg
OCTOBER
Height 0.9 m
Direction 67 deg
Owl)
e
112.5
135.0
S
NOVEMBER
Height 0.9 m
Direction 61 deg
(0)
Figure 15. (Sheet 3 of 3)
DECEMBER
Height 0.9 m
Direction 58 deg
Height, m
20
Frequency, %
Chapter 3 Waves
4 Currents
Surface current speed and direction at the FRF are influenced by winds,
waves, and, indirectly, by the bottom topography. The extent of the respective
influences varies daily. However, winds tend to dominate the currents at the
seaward end of the pier, whereas waves dominate within the surf zone.
Observations
Near 0700 EST, daily observations of surface current speed and direction
were made at (a) the seaward end of the pier, (b) the midsurf position on the pier,
and (c) 10 to 15 m from the beach 500 m updrift of the pier. Surface currents
were determined by observing the movement of a small wooden block floating on
the water surface.
Results
Annual mean and mean currents for 1980 through 1995 are presented in
Table 6 and in Figure 16. Figure 16 shows the daily and average annual
measurements at the beach, pier midsurf, and pier end locations. Since the relative
influences of the winds and waves vary with position from shore, the current
speeds and, to some extent, direction vary at the beach, midsurf, and pier end
locations. Magnitudes generally are largest at the midsurf location and lowest at
the end of the pier.
Chapter 4 Currents
35
36
Table 6
Mean Longshore Surface Currents’
Pier End, cm/sec Pier Midsurf, cm/sec
1980-
1995 1995
southward; - = northward.
Beach, cm/sec
Chapter 4 Currents
”
SS
€
Oo
me)
fd)
o
jee
WY
_
(S
oO
\
S
=)
(S)
Pier Midsurf
Year Mean, cm/s
—_—_* 1995 15
@-=-01980-95 13
Year Mean, cm/s
—_—* 1995 15
@---01980-95 7
Rach (GOO tm Uschi) q4-
Mean, cm/s
——~«1995 . 4
@---01980-95 3
290) —— Aa. Ga
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug
Month
[=a alta tle Delpos fh Sea Tl
Sep Oct Nov Dec
Figure 16. Daily current speeds and directions with monthly means for 1995
Chapter 4 Currents
S)7/
38
5 Tides and Water Levels
Measurement Instrument
From 1978 to June 1995 water level data were obtained from an
NOAA/NOS control tide station (sta 865-1370) located at the seaward end of the
research pier (Figure 2) by using a Leupold and Stevens, Inc. (Beaverton, OR),
digital tide gauge. This analog-to-digital recorder is a float-activated, negator-
spring, counterpoised instrument that mechanically converts the vertical motion of
a float into a coded, punched paper tape record. The below-deck installation at
pier sta 19+60 consisted of a 30.5-cm-diam stilling well with a 2.5-cm orifice and
a 21.6-cm-diam float.
Operation and tending of the tide gauge conformed to NOS standards.
The gauge was checked daily for proper operation of the punch mechanism and for
accuracy of the time and water level information. The accuracy was
determined by comparing the gauge level reading with a level read from a refer-
ence electric tape gauge. Once a week, a heavy metal rod was lowered down the
stilling well and through the orifice to ensure free flow of water into the well.
During the summer months, when biological growth was most severe, divers in-
spected and cleaned the orifice opening as required.
The tide station was inspected quarterly by an NOAA/NOS tide field
group. Tide gauge elevation was checked using existing NOS control
positions, and the equipment was checked and adjusted as needed. Both NOS and
FRF personnel also reviewed procedures for tending the gauge and
handling the data. Any specific comments on the previous months of data were
discussed to ensure data accuracy.
Digital paper tape records of tide heights taken every 6 min were analyzed
by the Tides Analysis Branch of NOS. An interpreter created a digital
magnetic computer tape from the punch paper tape, which was then processed on
a large computer. First, a listing of the instantaneous tidal height values was cre-
ated for visual inspection. If errors were encountered, a computer program was
used to fill in or recreate bad or missing data using correct values from the nearest
Chapter 5 Tides and Water Levels
NOS tide station and accounting for known time lags and elevation anomalies.
When the validity of the data had been confirmed, monthly
tabulations of daily highs and lows, hourly heights (instantaneous height
selected on the hour), and various extreme and/or mean water level statistics were
computed.
Following a year of comparison tests at the FRF the Leupold and Stevens,
Inc., digital tide gauge was replaced in June 1995 by an NOS acoustic tide gauge
(Next Generation Water Level Measurement System, NGWLMS) located at pier
sta 19+20.
The following brief discription of the NGWLMS was condensed from a
paper found on the NOAA World Wide Web site (Gill 1990).
The NGWLMS system’s primary sensor is a self-calibrating, downward-
looking acoustic system that transmits a short acoustic pulse through a 1.3-cm-
diameter sound tube to the water surface and to a calibration point referenced to
the station’s datum. Because the major potential source for errors is vertical
temperature changes between the sensor and the water surface, sound tube air
temperatures are monitored and accompany the transmitted data. The sensor takes
181 1-sec samples in 3-min periods centered every 6 min. A new mean value and
standard deviation are computed every 6-minutes. Each NGWLMS also includes
a less accurate, strain-gauge type sensor as a backup. The systems relay data
every 3-hrs to NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite
system. NOAA’s NGWLMS Data Processing and Analysis System retrieves
data on an hourly basis, decodes and then performs automated quality control
checks.
Results
Tides at the FRF are semidiurnal with both daily high and low tides
approximately equal. Tide height statistics are presented in Table 7.
Figure 17 plots the monthly tide statistics for all available data, and Figure 18
compares the distribution of daily high and low water levels and hourly tide
heights. The monthly or annual mean sea level (MSL) reported is the average of
the hourly heights, whereas the mean tide level is midway between mean high
water (MHW) and mean low water (MLW), which are the averages of the daily
high- and low-water levels, respectively, relative to NGVD. Mean range (MR) is
the difference between MHW and MLW levels, and the lowest water level for the
month is the extreme low (EL) water, while the highest water level is the extreme
high (EH) water level.
NOTE: Due to a mistake in converting feet to centimeters the tide height statistics
from 1987 through 1993 (as published in the 1987 through 1993 Annual Data
Summaries) found in Table 7 and Figure 17 were in error. These were corrected
beginning with the 1994 report.
Chapter 5 Tides and Water Levels
40
Table 7
Tide Height Statistics’
Mean Mean Mean
Tide Sea Low
Level Level Water
Measurements are in centimeters.
Prior Years
Extreme
Low
Nov -95
Dec -84
Dec -84
Oct -100
May -94
Mar -92
Apr -86
Jan -76
Dec -108
Dec -93
Oct -77
Jan -73
Oct -108
Nov -110
Mar -119
Feb -95 Sep
Mar 1989 -119 Mar 1980
Chapter 5 Tides and Water Levels
yl / Al A We da,
Water Level, cm
1991
1987
1983 1989
1981 1985
Year
Figure 17. Monthly tide and water level statistics relative to NGVD
1995
1979-95
£
i)
>
@
=
‘=
©
&
5
=
10.00 25.00 50.00 75.00 90.00 99.00 99.90 99.99
Percent Greater Than
Figure 18. Distributions of hourly tide heights and high- and low-water levels
Chapter 5 Tides and Water Levels
41
42
6 Water Characteristics
Monthly averages of daily measurements of surface water temperature,
visibility, and density at the seaward end of the FRF pier are given in
Table 8. The summaries represent single observations made near 0700 EST and,
therefore, may not reflect daily average conditions since such characteristics can
change within a 24-hr period. Large temperature variations were common when
there were large differences between the air and water temperatures and variations
in wind direction. From past experience, persistent onshore winds move warmer
surface water toward the shoreline, although offshore winds cause colder bottom
water to circulate shoreward, resulting in lower temperatures.
Table 8
Mean Surface Water Characteristics
Temperature Visibility Density
deq C a/cm®
1980- 1980-
1995 1995 1995
1.0247 1.0234
1.0251 1.0231
1.0234 1.0227
1.0243 1.0223
1.0233 1.0218
1.0213 1.0212
1.0226 1.0215
1.0224 1.0207
1.0214 1.0209
1.0234 1.0219
1.0246 1.0230
1.0248 1.0235
—
NO
NO
ju
NO
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eee
aavyu )
SE Ra OB Ose
UDROMOMNWYOW
Corh>-honkRO>-aAU
=2024fhuWUW WS)
SES Oe ay ae RR a
C2020n>2U0UUD ©
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=
or
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1.0234 1.0221
ao
nN
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N
.
=
Annual
Chapter 6 Water Characteristics
Temperature
Daily sea surface water temperatures (Figure 19) were measured with an
NOS water sampler and thermometer. Monthly mean water temperatures (Table
8) varied with the air temperatures (see Table 2).
Temperature
Year degC
—« 1995 15.6
@----© 1980-95 14.8
©)
D
oO
O
o
cs
=)
=
o
©
Q
=
©
lol
ths
©
i
o
=
liemewan ylfictaeical T SPU Ly eS LT los LL
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
Figure 19. Daily water temperature values with monthly means
Visibility
Visibility in coastal nearshore waters depends on the amount of salts, sol-
uble organic material, detritus, living organisms, and inorganic particles in the
water. These dissolved and suspended materials change the absorption and
attenuation characteristics of the water that vary daily and yearly.
Visibility was measured with a 0.3-m-diam Secchi disk, and similar to
water temperature, variation was related to onshore and offshore winds. Onshore
winds moved warm clear surface water toward shore, whereas offshore winds
Chapter 6 Water Characteristics
43
44
brought up colder bottom water with large concentrations of suspended matter.
Figure 20 shows the daily and monthly mean surface visibility values for the year.
Large variations were common, and visibility less than 1 m was expected in any
month. Monthly means are given inTable 8.
Year Mean, m
*—* 1995 2.0
@----© 1980-95 Zell
E
2
2
o
>
=
oO
ie)
=
SS [pe | a) | | foe a ee a er ies T T T 1
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
Figure 20. Daily water visibility values with monthly means
Density
Daily and monthly mean surface density values, plotted in Figure 21, were
measured with a hydrometer. Monthly means are also given in Table 8. These
values are direct readings from the hydrometer. Corrections for differences
between ocean water temperature and jar water temperature, as well as use of
Chapter 6 Water Characteristics
uncalibrated hydrometers and other factors, could produce an error amounting to a
couple of percent in the direct hydrometer readings.
Year Mean, g/cm?
%——*1995 1.0234
== 1980-95 1.0221
Le)
5
S
fon)
>
5
3)
Cc
©
a
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
Figure 21. Daily water density values with monthly means
Chapter 6 Water Characteristics
45
7 Surveys
Waves and currents interacting with bottom sediments produce changes in
the beach and nearshore bathymetry. These changes can occur very rapidly in re-
sponse to storms, or slowly as a result of persistent but less forceful seasonal
variations in wave and current conditions.
Nearshore bathymetry at the FRF is characterized by regular shore-
parallel contours, a moderate slope, and a barred surf zone (usually an outer storm
bar in water depths of about 4.5 m and an inner bar in water depths between 1.0
and 2.0 m). This pattern is interrupted in the immediate vicinity of the pier where
a permanent trough runs under much of the pier, ending in a scour hole where
depths can be up to 3.0 m greater than the adjacent bottom (Figure 22). This
trough, which apparently is the result of the interaction of waves and currents with
the pilings, varies in shape and depth with changing wave and current conditions.
Figure 22. Permanent trough under the FRF pier,
25 January 1995
Chapter 7 Surveys
The effect of the pier on shore-parallel contours occurs as far as 300 m away, and
the shoreline may be affected up to 350 m from the pier (Miller, Birkemeier, and
DeWall 1983).
Approximately once a month, surveys were conducted of an area extend-
ing 600 m north and south of the pier and approximately 950 m offshore. These
surveys were conducted to document the temporal and spatial variability in
bathymetry. Contour maps resulting from these surveys, along with plots of
change in elevation between surveys, are given in Appendix A.
All surveys used the Coastal Research Amphibious Buggy, a 10.7-m-tali
amphibious tripod described by Birkemeier and Mason (1984), in combination
with a Geodimeter 140-T self-tracking, electronic theodolite, distance meter.
Profile locations are shown in each figure in Appendix A. Monthly soundings
along both sides of the FRF pier were collected by lowering a weighted measuring
tape to the bottom and recording the distance below the pier deck. Soundings were
taken midway between the pier pilings to minimize errors caused by scour near the
pilings.
A history of bottom elevations below Gauges 645 and 625 is presented in
Figure 23 for pier stations 7+80 (238 m) and 18+60 (567 m), along with
intermediate locations, 323 and 433 m.
(m)
238
SL el oo i eee Sp T Se a ead a nt fen =}
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
Figure 23. Time-history of bottom elevations at selected locations under the FRF pier
Chapter 7 Surveys
Distance
47
48
8S Photography
Aerial Photographs
Aerial photographs are taken annually using a 23-cm aerial mapping cam-
era at a scale of 1:12,000. All coverage was at least 60-percent overlap, with
flights flown as closely as possible to low tide between 1000 and 1400 EST with
less than 10-percent cloud cover. The flight lines covered are shown in Figure 24.
Figure 25 is a sample of the imagery obtained on 14 January 1991; the available
aerial photographs for the year are:
Date Flight Lines Format
18 October Black/White
Color
Beach Photographs
Daily color slides of the beach were taken using a 35-mm camera from the
same location on the pier looking north and south (Figure 26). The location from
which each picture was taken, as well as the date, time, and a brief description of
the picture, were marked on each of the slides.
Chapter 8 Photography
CHE SAPEAKE
BAY
“Ky ALBEMARLE SOUND
pes oe
ann ee >
see ets ED
Be mo a
PAMLICO
SOUND
CAPE
HATTERAS
Figure 24. Aerial photography flight lines
Chapter 8 Photography 49
:12,000)
1
14 January 1991 (Scale
Sample aerial photograph,
Figure 25
Chapter 8 Photography
50
North View South View
4 So
c. 14 March 1995
Figure 26. Beach photos looking north and south from the FRF pier (Sheet 1 of 4)
Chapter 8 Photography
51
South View
North View
11995
ri
Qo.
<x
+
ee
d
£14 June 1995
igure 26. (Sheet 2 of 4)
F
Chapter 8 Photography
52
Figure 26. (Sheet 3 of 4)
Chapter 8 Photography
— 8
ae
South View
eran
Racer
St
y
Vy
7)
ee
53)
54
Figure 26.
(Sheet 4 of 4)
eee
j. 14 October 1995
South View
Chapter 8 Photography
9 Storms
This chapter discusses storms (defined here as times when the wave height
parameter H,,, equaled or exceeded 2 m at the seaward end of the FRF pier).
Sample spectra from Gauge 630 are given in Appendix B. Prestorm and/or
poststorm bathymetry diagrams are given in Appendix A. Tracking
information was provided by NOAA Daily Weather Maps (U.S. Department of
Commerce 1995).
Chapter 9 Storms
55
56
15-16 January 1995 (Figure 27)
Following the passage of a cold front, onshore winds (from
northeast) generated by a high pressure system reached 15 m/sec at 1216 EST
on 15 January. The maximum H,,, (at Gauge 630) reached 3.2 m (7, = 11.10
sec) at 1634 EST also on 15 January. There was 41 mm of precipitation.
Atmospheric Pressure, mb Gauge 616
2 |
Gauge 932
990 ot
Wind Speed, m/sec
Wind Direction, Deg True N
Wave Height, Hy, Mm
Gauge 630
Gouge 3111
Water Level from NGVD, m Gauge 11
6
JANUARY, 1995
Figure 27. Data for 15-16 January 1995 storm
Chapter 9 Storms
28-29 January 1995 (Figure 28)
A strong Canadian high pressure system in conjunction with an
approaching storm produced onshore winds at the FRF beginning on 28
January. As the storm moved off the North Carolina coast it quickly intensified
generating winds (from northeast) of 13 m/sec at 0208 EST on 29 January.
Waves at Gauge 625 reached a maximum H,,, of 2.10 m (T, = 7.3 sec) at 0208
EST also on 29 January. There was 5 mm of precipitation.
Gauge 616
Gouge 932
Wave Height, H,,, m Gouge 625
Gauge 625
Wave Period, Tp, sec
Gouge 3111
-204
Water Level from NGVD, m
JANUARY, 1995
Figure 28. Data for 28-29 January 1995 storm
Chapter 9 Storms
57
2 March 1995 (Figure 29)
Northerly winds funneled between a Canadian high pressure system
and a small low pressure system located offshore of Cape Hatteras, NC, briefly
generated storm waves at the FRF. Waves at Gauge 625 reached a maximum
H,,. of 2.3 m (T,, = 9.8 sec) at 1142 EST on 2 March. Onshore winds (from
the north) peaked at 16 m/sec at 0842 EST also on 2 March. The FRF
received 13 mm of precipitation from this storm.
10405 Atmospheric Pressure, mb Gauge 616
1030-4
1020+ 2 Oe eer ge ee a
10104
10004
990+-—+ Toonslimmlisantiomn’ imma 'ieealimey imme! nema” rs
Wind Speed, m/sec Gauge 932
Gauge 625
Gauge 625
Gauge 3111
MARCH, 1995
Figure 29. Data for 2 March 1995 storm
58 Chapter 9 Storms
7-8 August 1995 (Figure 30)
A strong pressure gradient created by a Canadian high pressure system
and a weak storm off Cape Hatteras, NC produced northeasterly winds of
10 m/sec, which peaked at 0400 EST on 8 August. The maximum H,,,, (at
Gauge 625) of 2.3 m (J, = 10.2 sec) was recorded at 2116 EST on7 August.
There was 25 mm of precipitation at the FRF.
10405 Atmospheric Pressure, mb Gauge 616
10304
1020-4
ee ee ea On na
10004
9904 tt
Wind Speed, m/sec
Wave Height, H,,,, m Gauge 625
Gauge 625
Wave Direction, Deg True N Gauge 3111
ee
Water Level from NGVD, m Gauge 11
Trea me ems Tc oe TTT TT TT Tea]
8
9
AUGUST, 1995
Figure 30. Data for 7-8 August 1995 storm
Chapter 9 Storms
59
15-18 August 1995-Hurricane Felix (Figure 31)
Developing in the mid-Atlantic, Felix moved northwest then turned to
the west on 15 August steering directly for the North Carolina coast.
Downgraded from a category 3 to a 1 (on the Saffir/Simpson Scale) Felix
stalled when he collided with a trough of low pressure entrenched along the
East coast, then moved offshore, never making landfall. Maximum onshore
winds (from northeast) at the FRF reached 17 m/sec at 1816 EST on 16
August. The maximum H,,, (at Gauge 630) of 4.6 m (7, = 15.1 sec) was
measured earlier that morning at 0208 EST. There was 6 mm of precipitation.
Atmospheric Pressure, mb
Wind Speed, m/sec
Wind Direction, Deg True N
Wave Height, Hj, m
Wave Period, T,, sec
Wove Direction, Deg True N
-204
25 Water Level from NGVD, m
Figure 31. Data for Hurricane Felix, 15-18 August 1995
60
Chapter 9 Storms
18-20 August 1995 (Figure 32)
Strong winds associated with the interaction of a Canadian high
pressure system with the remnants of Hurricane Felix reached 14 m/sec (from
northeast) at 1742 EST on 19 August. The maximum /#/,,, (at Gauge 630)
reached 3.5 m (J, = 14.2 sec) at 1708 EST on 19 August. There was no
precipitation.
Atmospheric Pressure, mb Gauge 616
Wind Speed, m/sec Gauge 932
Wind Direction, Deg True N
Wave Height, H,,5, ™ Gauge 630
Gauge 3111
Gauge 11
AUGUST, 1995
Figure 32. Data for 18-20 August 1995 storm
Chapter 9 Storms
61
28 August 1995 (Figure 33)
A combination of a Canadian high pressure system and a low off the
North Carolina coast produced onshore winds (from northeast) of 15 m/sec at
1934 EST on 28 August. The maximum H,,, (at Gauge 625) reached 2.2 m
(T, = 6.6 sec) at 1900 EST also on 28 August. There was 22 mm of
precipitation.
Atmospheric Pressure, mb
Gauge 3111
Water Level from NGVD, m Gouge 11
oe a Oo oh ST
-1
29 30
27 28
AUGUST, 1995
Figure 33. Data for 28 August 1995 storm
62 Chapter 9 Storms
19 September 1995 (Figure 34)
Northeasterly winds associated with a Canadian high pressure system
reached 13 m/sec at 1034 EST on 19 September. The maximum H,,, (at
Gauge 625) of 2.1 m (J, = 8.26 sec) followed at 1108 EST. There was no
precipitation during this event.
1040- Atmospheric Pressure, mb Gauge 616
1030-
10204
1010
ell
900d sp SSS eS es De ee |
257 Wind Speed, m/sec Gauge 932
Tas me Oe Te Tee Tec oa
Wind Direction, Deg True N
Wave Height, H,,5, m Gauge 625
FF ETF I
Wave Period, Tp, sec Gauge 625
a a a a ea a a DT
Wave Direction, Deg True N Gauge 3111
Water Level from NGVD, m
SEPTEMBER, 1995
Figure 34. Data for 19 September 1995 storm
Chapter 9 Storms
64
23 September 1995 (Figure 35)
Strong onshore winds were generated at the FRF preceding an
advancing warm front. The maximum H,,, (at Gauge 625) of 2.1 m (7, = 6.9
sec) was attained at 1000 EST on 23 September. Maximum winds (from the
northeast) reached 15 m/sec earlier at0916 EST. There was no precipitation.
1040-
10304
Atmospheric Pressure, mb
Gauge 616
1020 Se ees ae SE Ea
10104
10004
CO a a a a a a oe ee ee
Wind Direction, Deg True
Wave Height, H,,,, m
Gauge 933
Gauge 625
a eT TT TT
Wave Period, T,, sec
CSS SS Sea
16075
1004
-1
22
Wove Direction, Deg True N
Gauge 625
Gauge 3111
Water Level from NGVD, m
ae ee
Gauge 11
23
SEPTEMBER, 1995
i Wate) Oe, /RNGTEN GEN JON
~— Ss =
24 25
Figure 35. Data for 23 September 1995 storm
Chapter 9 Storms
29-30 September 1995 (Figure 36)
Northeasterly winds associated with a Canadian high pressure system
reached 13 m/sec at 0434 EST on 30 September. The maximum H,,, (at Gauge
625) was 2.1 m (T, = 9.5 sec) at 0542 also on 30 September. There was
3 mm of precipitation.
1040-5 Atmospheric Pressure, mb Gauge 616
10505
10204
10105
100074
99 OF oot
Wind Speed, m/sec Gauge 932
Wind Direction, Deg True N
Wave Height, H,,,, m Gauge 625
Ce Dn De ne ee |
Wave Period, T,, sec Gauge 625
Wave Direction, Deg True N Gauge 3111
Woter Level from NGVD, m Gauge 11
SEPTEMBER, 1995
Figure 36. Data for 29-30 September 1995 storm
Chapter 9 Storms
66
References
Bingham, C., Godfrey, M. D., and Tukey, J. W. (1967). "Modern
techniques of power spectrum estimation." JEEE Trans. Audio
Electroacoustics. AU-15, 56-66.
Birkemeier, W. A., and Mason, C. (1984). "The CRAB: A unique
nearshore surveying vehicle," Journal of Surveying Engineering, American
Society of Civil Engineers, 110 (1). :
Field Research Facility. (1995 (Jan-Dec)). "Preliminary data summary,"
Monthly Series, Coastal Engineering Research Center, U.S. Army Engineer
Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Gill, S. “NOAA’s next generation tide gauges.” http://www-.nbi.ac.uk/psms]/
gb1/noaa.html (1990).
Grogg, W. E., Jr. (1986). "Calibration and stability characteristics of
the Baylor Staff Wave Gage," Miscellaneous Paper CERC-86-7, U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Miller, H. C. (1980). “Instrumentation at CERC's Field Research Facility,
Duck, North Carolina," CERC Miscellaneous Report 80-8, U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Miller, H. C., Birkemeier, W. A., and DeWall, A. E. (1983). "Effect of the
CERC research pier on nearshore processes." Coastal Structures '83.
American Society of Civil Engineers, Arlington, VA, 769-785.
U.S. Department of Commerce. (1995). "Daily weather maps," Weekly Series,
Washington, DC.
Welch, P. D. (1967). "The use of Fast Fourier Transform for the estimation
of power spectra: A method based on time averaging over short modified
periodograms." IEEE Trans. Audio Electroacoustics. AE-15, 70-73.
References
Appendix A
Survey Data
Contour diagrams constructed from the bathymetric survey data are presented
in this appendix. The profile lmes surveyed are identified on each diagram.
Contours are in half-meter increments referenced to NGVD. The distance off-
shore is referenced to the FRF monumentation baseline behind the dune.
Changes in FRF bathymetry diagrams constructed by contouring the difference
between two contour diagrams are also presented with contour intervals of 0.25 m.
Wide contour lines show areas of erosion. Other areas correspond to areas of
accretion. Although these change diagrams are based on considerable interpola-
tion of the original survey data, they do facilitate comparison of the contour
diagrams.
Appendix A Survey Data
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FRF Pier
650
SS
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21 Apr 95
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Appendix A Survey Data
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Appendix B
Wave Data for Gauge 630
Wave data summaries for Gauge 630 for 1995 and for 1980 through 1995 are
presented in the following pages:
Daily H,,, and 7,,
Figure B1 displays the individual wave height H,,, and peak spectral wave
period T, values, along with the monthly mean values.
Joint Distributions of H,,, and 7,
Annual and monthly joint distribution tables are presented in Tables B1 and
B2, and data for 1980 through 1995 are in Tables B3 and B4. Each table gives
the frequency (in parts per 10,000) for which the wave height and peak period
were within the specified intervals; these values can be converted to percent-
ages by dividing by 100. Marginal totals are also included. The row total
gives the number of observations out of 10,000 that fell within each specified
peak period interval. The column total gives the number of observations out of
10,000 that fell within each specified wave height interval.
Cumulative Distributions of Wave Height
Annual and monthly wave height distributions for 1995 are plotted in cu-
mulative form in Figures B2 and B3. Data for 1980 through 1995 are plotted
in Figure B4.
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
B1
Peak Spectral Wave Period Distributions
Annual and monthly peak wave period T, distribution histograms for 1995
are presented in Figures BS and B6. Data for 1980 through 1995 are presented
in Figure B7.
Persistence of Wave Heights
Table B5 shows the number of times in 1995 when the specified wave
height was equaled or exceeded at least once during each day for the duration
(consecutive days). Data for 1980 through 1995 are averaged and given in Ta-
ble B6. An example is shown below:
Height Consecutive Day(s) or Longer
m 8 13 15 16 17 18 19+
24 21 18 14
8
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
This example indicates that wave heights equaled or exceeded 1.0 m
50 times for at least 1 day; 34 times for at least 2 days; 24 times for at least
3 days, etc. Therefore, on 16 occasions the height equaled or exceeded 1.0 m
for 1 day exactly (50 - 34 = 16); on 10 occasions for 2 days; on 3 occasions
for 3 days, etc. Note that the height exceeded 1 m 50 times for 1 day or lon-
ger, while heights exceeded 0.5 m only 18 times for this same duration. This
change in durations occurred because the longer durations of lower waves may
be interspersed with shorter, but more frequent, intervals of higher waves. For
example, one of the times that the wave heights exceeded 0.5 m for 16 days
may have represented three times the height exceeded 1 m for shorter
durations.
Spectra
Monthly spectra for the offshore Waverider buoy (Gauge 630) are present-
ed in Figure B8. The plots show "relative" energy density as a function of
wave frequency. These figures summarize the large number of spectra for each
B2
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
month. The figures emphasize the higher energy density associated with
storms, as well as the general shifts in energy density to different frequencies.
As used here, "relative" indicates the spectra have been smoothed by the three-
dimensional surface drawing routine. Consequently, extremely high- and low-
energy density values are modified to produce a smooth surface. The figures
are not intended for quantitative measurements; however, they do provide the
energy density as a function of frequency relative to the other spectra for the
month.
Monthly and annual wave statistics for Gauge 630 for 1995 and for 1980
through 1995 are presented in Table B7.
Figure B9 plots monthly time-histories of wave height and period.
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
B3
B4
Wave Height, m
Wave Period, sec
Figure B1.
OF al esate Ge aa iG Greases eae ean a7 aa nena ato ayes, U
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
Year Mean, sec
x— 1995 8.4
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Month
1995 daily wave height and period values with monthly means for Gauge 630
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Table B1
Annual Joint Distribution of H,,, versus 7,
Annual 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period(sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9
-49 22
.99 22
49 :
-99
49
off)
-49
-99
-00 -49
-50 99)
-00 - Greater
Total
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
UP PWWNNPRP OO
PPWWNNPRP OO
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Table B2
Monthly Joint Distribution of H,,, versus 7,
January 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period(sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 13.9
-49 5 - : 163
-99 : 976 3 = 81
-49 . > 163 569 9 5 - 6
-99 . ° ° 2
49 : cS 5 81
-99
49
-99
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
.00 ~49
-50 -99
-00 - Greater 0 : 2 0
Total 569 1707
UP RWWNNPPOO
PPWWNNHP OO
February 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 13.9 _15.9 _Longer
49 268
99
-49
Eto,9)
-49
-99
-49
.99
-00 -49
-50 -99
-00 - Greater
Total
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
PPWWNNRP POO
0
0
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
March 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
slab) aly ©)
UPPWWNNPP OO
PPWWNNH HOO
167 1417
(Continued)
(Sheet 1 of 4)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Table B2 (Continued)
April 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
abbas) alt}a©)
83 167 o
83 583 s00 167
UP PWWNNPRP OO
PPWWNNRPP OO
May 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 13.9
s65 1048
242 887
81
QO. 0
0. c¢)
abe 1
1. 1
2, 2
Zo 2
Zo 3
3. 3
4. 4
4. 4
S.
404 888 2580 323 1130
June 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11-9 13.9
167 5 :
167 1333 6 167
83 333 5 O
UPPWWNNRPRPOO
PPWWNNP POO
250 1999 1500
(Continued)
(Sheet 2 of 4)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Table B2 (Continued)
July 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period(sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 _13.9 _15.9 _Longer
+49 : : : . ¢ 244 407 0
399) 732 813 569 407 1057 1545 2927 81
-49 2 5 d 81 Q } ° ° -
2,9) 6
49
-99
49
-99
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00 -49
-50 -99
.00 - Greater . . . . . 5 . . .
Total 894 569 651 1057 1789 3334
UP PWWNNPRP OO
PPWWNNHPH OO
August 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence(X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 13.9 _15.9 _Longer
PPWWNNRPPRP OO
0.
0.
Sh
abo
oy.
2h
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
September 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
TI9 S39)
164 1311 .
656 1639 1967
492
UP PWWNHNPRPOO
PPWWNNPHOO
820 3442 1967
(Continued)
(Sheet 3 of 4)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Table B2 (Concluded)
October 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
stab ke) altye®)
351 439 351 351 1754 1053 351
263 702 877 526 263 439
263 5 88 : 0
UP RPWWNNPHP OO
PPWWNNEPP OO
614 1404 1228 965 2017 1492 351
November 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
stat) _skeia®)
-00 0.49
-50 0.99
-00 1.49
-50 1.99
-00 2.49
-50 2.99
-00 3.49
-50 3.99
-00 4.49 3 3 0 6 8 c 0 D - -
-50 4.99 ¢ ° : 5 : 7 : O - 9 =
-00 - Greater : ° : : - r a
Total 169 1440
i0}
te)
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
December 1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
alah ok) —akzyn©)
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00 49
-50 -99
-00 4.49
-50 4.99
.00 - Greater c 0 0
Total 81 564 1049
-49
-99
-49
-99
-49
of)
UP PWWNNPPRP OO
WWNNrFROO
Seen
(Sheet 4 of 4)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
B9
Table B3
Annual Joint Distribution of H,,, versus 7, (All Years)
Annual 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
flab of) _alt}©)
PPWWNNP POO
QO.
O.
aba
ake
Zi.
2.
3
3%
4.
4.
Sie
Bue Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Table B4
Monthly Joint Distribution of H,,, versus 7, (All Years)
January 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period(sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
alak of)
12
12
6
6
UBbADWWNNHPHOO
PWWNNPHOO
February 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 : 15.9 _Longer
7
7
PWWNNHFPPOO
oO.
QO.
a5
abo
2h
ie
Sle
3.
4.
4.
Sr
March 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Height (m) Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 13.9 15.9 _Longer
UP PRPWWNNRPHOO
PWWNNPRPOO
(Continued)
(Sheet 1 of 4)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630 B11
B12
Table B4 (Continued)
Height (m)
UP PWWNHNRPHPOO
-00
-50
-00
510)
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
PPWWNNEPr OO
Total
-49
~99
-49
99)
-49
99)
-49
-99
-49
-99
Greater
Height (m)
QO.
O.
abe
obo
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
Sys
PPWWNNRPP OO
Height (m)
UP PWWNNPRPPRP OO
PRWWNNRPP OO
April 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence(X100) of Height and Period
Period(sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
15.9 Longer
11
May 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
alah a&) ale3a©
June 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Period(sec)
Ee ee
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
aisha Sy atz} ae)
1359 1555
(Continued)
(Sheet 2 of 4)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Table B4 (Continued)
Height (m)
UPR WWNNPHOO
PPWWNNPRPOO
520
Height (m)
266
141
0. 0
QO. 0
1. 1
abo 1
2. 2
2. 2
3. 3
So 3
4. 4
4. 4
5.
Height (m)
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00 -49
-50 -99
-00 - Greater
Total
-49
-99 0 117 233
-49 0 12 87
-99 6 ° 12
-49
-99
-49
o£)f)
UP PWWNNRPHOO
PPWWNNEP OO
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
July 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Period(sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
alzye&)
148 46
August 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
alabok) ott} 5©)
28
September 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence(X100) of Height and Period
Period(sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
13.9
6
6
6
6
(Continued)
(Sheet 3 of 4)
B13
B14
Table B4 (Concluded)
Height (m)
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
UP PWWNNRPHP OO
PPWWNNHPP OO
Total
49
-99
49
-99
-49
-99
-49
-99
49
399
-00 - Greater
Height (m)
QO.
QO.
aba
1.
26
2.
3.
Ze
4.
4.
Sr
PWWNNRPOO
Height (m)
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
-00
-50
UP PWWNNPP OO
Total
-00 Greater
31
169
October 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Period (sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
11.9 : 15.9 _Longer
November 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence(X100) of Height and Period
Period(sec)
10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
bat) SlE}GE) SAE) suey eee
19
38
19
6
December 1980-1995, Gauge 630
Percent Occurrence (X100) of Height and Period
Period(sec)
EEE eS ee ee
-O- 10.0- 12.0- 14.0- 16.0-
alah at)
6
269 25
194 3
19
13
eee ee ee
(Sheet 4 of 4)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
S
ore
ie
2
o
aie
TO 0 nanny] Tai ine Ti |
Om 10° 10
Percent Greater Than Indicated
Figure B2. Annual cumulative wave height distributions for Gauge 630
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630 B15
Tan Ener
fone Erne Se
a
qd
|
es
peed | es
Ww
ifn nenenneneen
i)
1
[e)
i)
tb
10 10° 10
Percent Greater Than Indicated
[e)
Figure B3. 1995 monthly wave height distributions for Gauge 630
Bie Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
- 1)
W
hone nen een n
4
i
W
p
po een nnn 1
No
Om 10° 10
Percent Greater Than Indicated
Figure B4. 1980-1995 monthly wave height distributions for Gauge 630
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
B17
40-
Gauge 625 i995) iI (Gatige! 625 1980-95
205 aR
|__ofGieee: ao_1__eogadaee_
40-5 =
Gauge 630 1995} Gauge 630 1980-95
20-4
|_ oa@Agee2.0_}_ no B2e828 oo
40
Gauge 111 1995 Gauge 111 198595)
__at@eodan_| .nbel Gen
40
| Gauge 641 Gauge 641 1980-95
20
Xx
oO
S)
(S
©
=
=
=)
)
Oo
o)
—_
°
>
S
=
©
=)
on
®
uo
(0)
Aeasgeay?se 92 1B
Period, sec
Figure B5. Annual wave period distributions for all gauges
Bie Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
405
Jan
204 mr y
ees
40-7
Feb
tie
oJ _anlldedonn.
4075
Mar
|__.20484i io
4075
20
A
207
EZ eames
|. be becan..
4075
X
oO
)
<
®
=
Ss
=)
)
O
oO
_—
)
>
Ss)
Ss
®
5
>
2
fie
May
204 | Z
uA Wino whp:
] Jul j
| G
ade eae
Aug
| y :
fe ae
| Sep y
Al
ee a
5
Oct
| ae Ar
| -aleenden
| ;
|__ ofan _2
Nea CAL
910 12 14 16
riod, sec
Figure B6. 1995 monthly wave period distributions for Gauge 630
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
B19
Jan 7 Ju
1 AV Zi ! Le
_oAfao8o._]_ odo
Feb Aug
| ml Z Ap
| pfootlo |. anBelBd
=
ar | . 7 Sep b:
__ntoeede | ..08e8eben_
Apr 4 Oct
| aAaeleb noi _pAGeledon_
~
oO
(6)
(=
oO
ws
tS
=)
Oo
[S)
ie)
=
e)
>
(S)
(S
oO
=)
oF
2
es
May 1 Nov
| Else ae
|__ 3400870
Figure B7. 1980-1995 monthly wave period distributions for Gauge 630
B2
9 Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Table B5
1995 persistence of H,,, for Gauge 630
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 atal ale als} alts lS
6 4
08)
-0
15)
-0
-5
-0
as)
-0
Table B6
1980 through 1995 persistence of H,,,, for Gauge 630
Height Consecutive Day(s) or Longer
(m) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1) as te gD ab ah 2G
19 aks} lal 10 9 8 7 6 5
10 3 2
PwWWnNDdNeP PO
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630 B21
B22
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
ZING
ze
Sh
yy
= |
ar
\
——
V7
Dns
S2
So2
ae.
22>
SeSsIN
Sosse2
sos
Lye?
Lf
anerr
NU,
o>
L?
Ope
is
va
ee
ea
Lol
oh
i | "\
gy
N
LITT I
Figure B8. 1995 monthly spectra for Gauge 630 (Sheet 1 of 6)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
re WS
a >.
ff we
Seay LYN
we
wg oa
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
ASS
Ses
cose
Ssessee
SSE cook
SSF LS
<<2 a, Res
= ape 22
a SS
Figure B8. (Sheet 2 of 6)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630 B23
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
“<<
Ssce 22 Roc oS
SSSes co <7 a
SS SSeS ose [7
sees Lf ALL
So ree SALLI TTT]
22 Soe ——
Figure B8. (Sheet 3 of 6)
Bat Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
SA
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
N
ay
Soe
Sse2
Poses
2SsceSee
CeSScoesss
<L2es5 Soe,
255252255
Lose5
cesses
22
rr
SoS
LOSS
22
Figure B8. (Sheet 4 of 6)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630 B25
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
Figure B8. (Sheet 5 of 6)
Bz6 Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
AVE GA
199s CE 830
rae
STR ea
Sq Be ml Le
oF S277 i ,
HH
Spell
ip
is
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
327)
tes
RELATIVE ENERGY DENSITY
V/ C27
L|
SSS
Figure B8. (Sheet 6 of 6)
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630 B27
Table B7
Wave statistics for Gauge 630
1995 1980-1995
Height Period Height Period
Std. 0 Std. Std.
Mean Dev. Extreme G Mean Dev. Extreme Mean Dev. Number
Obs.
1619
1464
1811
1790
1837
1717
1752
1768
1715
1843
1588
1599
WHANIWRPONDH PH
PR
DNOMHOMRIMPM® IMP I]
owNI oONIUMNPNHN YH HY
CROWN IWLMWNON
SOOO OOOO O COO Oo
UNwW PON PPh HU
NNNN PPP PNND Ww
UIP UOHWAwWYDW
PNNNNNNNHWNDN W
w©IUuWONOMNWIO
PeRERPHOOOOrRPKREH PR
NPNPOMWYBAWOCNNN
ceooeceoeoea OOOO
OBYIIYANAUH HY PU HIYA A
UNUN DPF NNWU PU A
DRPPPNPIMR CYR WY
oO OO MD} OO MM Ow
NNNNNNNNNNNDN
ZT.
abo
abo
0
0
0
te)
1
1
ake
1
abe
6.1 Sep 1985 8.3 2.6 20503
B28 Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
Appendix B Wave Data for Gauge 630
4
NM Re INN
(jl NN SEEN ey
ie ne Pe ih
2-4
pie Ad NS SSSI dE SS
yal Mar Sep
PE SOS ta 7a Geneseo CR Opel oe Ee oe as
pe ea Sr
ad Apr Oct
Q
<
ie)
<
13937 9 WIS WW Alesse e7 a9 1 8 SY O18 18 WD Al 82S 7 OD) oh
Day of the Month
4 Jan Jul
4 Feb Aug
SSB7 9 NW RY © 2282779 18 8 7 © NW W 212925 27 2 Bi
Day of the Month
Figure B9. Time-histories of wave height and period for Gauge 630
B29
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REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE ee
|
. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS
Annual Data Summary for 1995 CHL Field Research Facility; Volume I:
Main Text and Appendixes A and B; Volume II: Appendixes C Through E
. AUTHOR(S)
|
|
|
|
Michael W. Leffler, Clifford F. Baron, Brian L. Scarborough, Paul R. Hodges, |
C. Ray Townsend
|7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station REPORT NUMBER
3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199 Technical Report CHL-98-14
19. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING/MONITORING
U.S. Army Corps of En gineers AGENCY REPORT NUMBER
Washington, DC 20314-1000
11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
Available from National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161.
}12a. DISTRIBUTIONWAVAILABILITY STATEMENT 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)
This report provides basic data and summaries for measurements made during 1995 at the U.S. Army Engineer
Waterways Experiment Station (WES), Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory’s (CHL’s) Field Research Facility
(FRF) in Duck, NC. The report includes comparisons of the present year’s data with cumulative statistics from
1980 to the present.
Summarizes in this report are meteorological and oceanographic data, monthly bathymetric survey results, sam-
ples of biannual aerial photography, and descriptions of 10 storms that occurred during the year. The year was high-
lighted by Hurricane Felix, which impacted the North Carolina coast on 15-18 August.
This report is the 17th in a series of annual summaries of data at the FRF that began with Miscellaneous report
CERC-82-16, which summarizes data collected during 1977-1979. These reports are available from the WES Tech-
nical Report Distribution Section of the Information Technology Laboratory, Vicksburg, MS.
. SUBJECT TERMS 15. NUMBER OF PAGES |
Meteorologic research—statistics (LC) an. |
Oceanographic research—statistics (LC) nESIPRICE CODE
Oceanographic research stations—North Carolina—Duck (LC) Cae
Water waves—statistics
|
|
- SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION |20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT |
OF REPORT OF THIS PAGE OF ABSTRACT
UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED
NSN 7540-01-280-5500 Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89)
Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39-18
298-102
Teese
Destroy this report when no longer needed. Do not return it to the originator.