Winter Storm and Tropical Cyclone Impacts on the Short-Term Evolution of Beaches and Barriers along the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico

Here we present data indicating the complexity and highly variable response of barrier islands and beaches to the impacts of tropical cyclones and winter storms along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Data indicate that (1) barrier islands can conserve mass during catastrophic hurricanes; (2) less severe hurricanes and tropical storms can promote rapid dune aggradation and contribute sediment to the entire barrier system; (3) cold fronts play a critical role in the post-storm adjustment of the barrier by deflating the subaerial portion of the overwash terrace and eroding its marginal lobe along the bayside beach through locally generated, high frequency, steep waves; and (4) barrier systems along the northern Gulf do not necessarily enter an immediate post-storm recovery phase, although nested in sediment-rich nearshore environments. The fluid mud environment off west Louisiana coast plays a significant role in damping wave energy associated with tropical cyclones. However, no significant surge attenuation appears apparent. It is anticipated that these findings will have important implications for the longer-term evolution of coastal systems in the northern Gulf of Mexico.