Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Summer 7-21-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

August 2026

Department

Environmental Sciences

College Granting Degree

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Department Granting Degree

Environmental Sciences Program

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Tiffany Roberts Briggs

Abstract

Anthropogenic shoreline modification and inlet-driven hydrodynamic processes can alter sediment transport pathways and sediment deposition in adjacent coral reef environments. This study evaluated how coastal engineering structures, sediment transport dynamics, and localized hydrodynamic processes influence sediment distribution and coral-associated habitats at Peanut Island, Florida. Beach profile surveys, shoreline mapping, sediment grain size analyses, coral monitoring, and historical aerial imagery were used to assess shoreline variability, sediment characteristics, and long-term shoreline evolution between October 2024 and July 2025. Results indicated that much of the eastern shoreline remained relatively stable, while greater variability was observed along the southern shoreline adjacent to the lagoon inlet and breakwater structures. Significant differences in sediment characteristics were observed between swash zone and coral-sediments, with coral habitats exhibiting finer, better sorted sediments and elevated mud content, indicating enhanced retention of fine-grained material within the lagoon. Coral vii surface area analyses indicated that most monitored colonies remained relatively stable throughout the study period, with only one colony exhibiting a significant decline prior to mortality. Historical shoreline comparisons revealed relatively minor long-term shoreline migration along much of the eastern shoreline, while aerial imagery documented progressive anthropogenic modification of the southern shoreline, including breakwater installation, lagoon dredging, and shoreline engineering. Collectively, these findings suggest that sediment transport at Peanut Island is influenced by the interaction of inlet-driven hydrodynamics, engineered shoreline structures, and long-term coastal modification, creating distinct sedimentary environments between the high-energy swash zone and the lower-energy lagoon.

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