Evaluating St. Lawrence River waves and shoreline erosion with application to fish habitat

Large ships routinely pass through the St. Lawrence Seaway. These ships generate waves that could exacerbate erosion of the St. Lawrence River shoreline. This research project will measure waves continuously during a shipping season and simultaneously measure turbidity of the nearshore water to link ship waves to sediment mobilization events. Bank line recession rates will also be monitored using high resolution surveying techniques. Sites with and without exposure to ship waves will be sampled to distinguish erosion due to ship waves versus other river erosion processes. The outcomes of this research will provide greater insight into St. Lawrence River sediment transport processes, which the River Institute has been researching for many years.

Faculty Supervisor:

Colin Rennie

Student:

Partner:

St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: