34 Processes and Landforms of Great Lakes Coasts (Posters)

Friday, 5 May 2023
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
EC 215

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SAND FENCES ON WEST MICHIGAN BEACHES

Paper number: 34-2
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

Sand fences are a widely used tool to keep wind-blown sand out of unwanted locations, but previous studies raise questions about the most effective sand fence configurations. Our project investigated whether different sand fence configurations and other beach variables affect sand fence effectiveness on four west Michigan beaches. We recorded fence configurations and characteristics with GPS mapping, a damage rating scale, and direct measurements. We measured sand deposition relative to fences with deposit height measurements and erosion pins. We compared fence configurations with deposition patterns and other variables to identify where sand fences were trapping the most sand. Results show that fence characteristics were mostly the same across the sites, but differences in configurations included how many lines of sand fences were set up at each site and the spacing between fences. The amount of deposition at each site varied. Fences that were installed earlier in the season had larger deposits downwind from them, while the fences closest to the lake showed the most deposition at most sites. These results showed us that 2 or more parallel rows of fencing closer to the shoreline was the most effective strategy, along with installing the fences early enough in the season. These results provide guidance for property managers whose goal is to keep sand contained on the beaches.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 55, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2023NC-386925

© Copyright 2023 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.