The Texture and Mineralogy of Two Sarasota County Beaches and Implications for Beach Nourishment

Steven Norton

Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Savin, Samuel

Keywords

Sediment, Beaches, Sarasota, Florida, Erosion

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Geological factors, environmental factors, and public policy consideration all have implication for beach nourishment. Policy drives projects to use methods that are the least destructive (Stauble, 1986). However, this aim is not always met because of lack of consideration of all possible factors. The texture and mineralogy of beaches and nourishment sources are not thoroughly considered. Improper sediment texture may cause excess erosion as well as displace biota (Frihy and Lotfy, 1994). On two beaches in Sarasota County the texture and mineralogy were compared for potential policy implications in reference to beach nourishment. This study argues, through the differences between core examination and literature review, that policy changes should be made in order to maximize the life of the nourishment project and minimize environmental impacts. In order to accomplish this, the shape of beach sediment, the size distribution of that sediment, and the morphology of the beach face should be added to the factors considered during the project planning process. Nourishment projects should more thoroughly review carbonate content and sediments size into project planning.

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