Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: SINERR-2018-2 (submitted: 04/12/2018, status: approved)
Project Type: Undergraduate Research (non-REU)
Application Title
Morphostratigraphic Framework of Sapelo Island, GA: The Link Between Pleistocene and Holocene-Aged Barrier Island Evolution
Investigator Information
| Principal Investigator: | Dr. Chris Seminack | ||
| Home Institution: | University of North Georgia | ||
| Award Information: | University of North Georgia Presidential Award - $10,000 | ||
| Mailing Address: | 3820 Mundy Mill Road | Phone Number: | 678-717-3457 |
| E-mail Address: | christopher.seminack@ung.edu | ||
| OAKWOOD, Georgia 30566 | |||
| Co-investigators: | |||
Project Abstract
The proposed project will investigate the evolutionary history of Sapelo Island, GA. During the most recent oceanic transgression (10,000 years ago to present day), Sapelo Island has migrated landward and subsequently welded onto a Pleistocene-aged (2.6-0.01 million years ago) barrier island. This geologic setting allows for a unique comparison of barrier-island evolution. Additionally, it allows the opportunity to compare preserved intense storm signatures (i.e., erosional truncations) within the ancient and modern geologic record. A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey will be conducted along the barrier island to image subsurface features. Four 6-m sediment cores will be collected to ground truth the ground-penetrating radar data, in addition to supplying sediment samples for grain-size analysis. Sediment samples will be used to correlate the barrier island stratigraphy. Data collected from this study will ultimately be used to develop a past and future evolutionary model of Sapelo Island. Land-use managers can utilize findings from this study to create proactive strategies for future intense storms and the continued effects of accelerated sea-level rise.
Project Location
Ground-penetrating will be towed by a vehicle along the pre-existing roads along Sapelo Island. We plan on collecting GPR lines in both shore-parallel and shore-perpendicular orientations along the entire span of the island to develop a three-dimensional model of barrier island evolution. Several sediment cores (approx. 4) will be collected to ground-truth the GPR data. Sediment cores will be collected by the hand-held pulse auger technique about 5-20 meters away from the roads. Locations for cores will be chosen to minimize impact and disturbance to the island.
GPS Coordinates for Study Sites
I will provide a provisional map and arrange with my sponsor to collect and register GPS coordinates
Expected Start and End Dates of the Project
Start Date: 05/11/2018 End Date: 12/01/2018
Number and Frequency of People Accessing the Site
4-5 people, potentially twice a year
Keywords Describing the Project
Equipment Deployed in the Field
Ground-penetrating radar and hand-held pulse-auger sediment coring device
Plants and Animal Collecting
No
Likely Impacts of the Project on the Site
Ground-penetrating radar surveys will leave no trace. Sediment coring will cause a 4-inch wide core hole. All core holes will be immediately infilled once completed.
Boardwalk Installation Plans
Yes, where possible. However, saturated areas were boardwalks may be located will not be of interest to this study because these areas do not allow for good GPR penetration depth.
Expected persistence of site impacts after the research is concluded?
There will be no persisting impacts to the island as a result of this study.