High-resolution multi-temporal analysis of geomorphic change on the Sandy Pond Spit, eastern shore of Lake Ontario, NY

Thesis advisor: Noah P. SnyderMulti-temporal elevation (MTE) analysis is used to study topographic changes at specific intervals. Barrier-island complexes are often studied using this MTE analysis to quantify changes to the environment after hurricanes to understand how dynamic landscapes respond to different forcings. The Sandy Pond spit (SPS) is a north-south trending barrier island on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, New York, which responds dynamically to fluctuations in water levels, ice cover, and storms. Prior research reconstructed the geomorphic history of the SPS from 1878-2013, determining that the most significant factor affecting decadal change is the lake-water elevation. In the summers of 2017 and 2019, anomalously high precipitation and lake levels resulted in increased erosion along the SPS, and flooding in neighboring communities. In this study I used shoreline position, foredune crest position and elevation and volume of deposition and erosion to determine the dominant force of geometric change on the SPS before, during and after the high water events in 2017 and 2019, using the study period 2001-2020. Lidar data and small uncrewed aerial system images are used to generate digital elevation models (DEMs) and DEMs of difference (DoDs) from surveys conducted in May 2001, July 2007, June 2011, October 2015, May 2018, September 2018, July 2020 and August 2020. Results indicated water level was the most significant factor altering the topography of the SPS. Large storm events although erosive, were not as destructive to the shore environment as the long duration elevated summer water levels. From 2001-2015 the shoreline advanced an average of 0.25 m/year. From 2015-2018 and 2018-2020 the shoreline retreated 0.62 m/year, and 3.27 m/year respectively. The foredune position and elevation altered due to erosion of the dune toe caused by wave action and shoreline retreat from 2015-2020 compared to 2001-2015. To study volumetric changes, the SPS was split into seven ecogeomorphic zones that characterize the barrier-spit system at large. From 2007-2015 net deposition was recorded at five of the seven zones when applying a 95% confidence interval. The zones recording erosion were characterized by high dune complexes with sparse vegetation to anchor sand. From 2015-2018 net erosion was recorded in all seven zones, indicating water level had a statistically significant effect on the rate and volume of geomorphic change to this ecosystem.Thesis (MS) — Boston College, 2022.Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.Discipline: Earth and Environmental Sciences