Modeling the Effects of Low-Pressure Atmospheric Fronts on Sediment Transport through Mississippi Sound Barrier Island Inlets

<p>Coastal sediment dynamics in the Mississippi Sound are strongly influenced by tropical cyclones and the more frequent passage of low-pressure atmospheric fronts. While hurricanes are well recognized for reshaping barrier islands and altering sediment budgets, the cumulative role of recurrent fronts remains poorly quantified. This thesis investigates the impacts of six low-pressure atmospheric fronts (2015–2017) on sediment flux through six barrier island inlets in the Mississippi Sound.</p> <p>A high-resolution application of the Regional Ocean Modeling System with the Community Sediment Transport Modeling System was developed to simulate tidal circulation, wind-driven currents, and sediment dynamics. Waves were excluded from the simulations. Model runs spanned 22 days per event, capturing pre-frontal, frontal, and post-frontal conditions. Numerical output was analyzed to quantify sediment flux through the inlets and examine the impact of southerly winds on sediment dynamics.</p> <p>Results show that atmospheric fronts consistently amplify tide-driven sediment flux through the inlets by a factor of two to ten. The timing, magnitude, duration, and track of each front strongly influenced the direction and volume of sediment flux. Regression analyses revealed that the effect of southerly winds on suspended sediment concentration varied considerably across inlets and events, but also highlighted that mud may be more prone to suspension when mixed with a sandy seabed, and that sand may be more prone to suspension when mixed with a muddy seabed.</p> <p> These findings suggest that atmospheric fronts may govern tide-driven sediment budgets in the Mississippi Sound, emphasizing their role in barrier island geomorphology and coastal sediment management.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2026

Author dc:creator

• Gagliano, Nicholas J

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jerry Wiggert
• Mustafa K. Cambazoglu
• Chris Hayes

• Mississippi Sound
• sediment
• inlets
• barrier islands
• Oceanography

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1203

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-2297