One of the most important parts of developing numerical models of the coast is good underwater topography (or bathymetry) data.
At this stage it is unknown whether the Wooli area is scheduled for a multibeam survey (there has been mention of the NSW Government undertaking this for the whole coast). A bathymetry survey of the area using a single beam system has been costed into this study in the meantime,
Effective data collection will involve:
1. Deployment of wave/current meters (also records water levels (i.e. tides)) at 3 sites with sediment traps (3 heights) attached.
2. Bathymetry survey of the embayment out to 15-20 m deep
3. Drop-camera video survey.
4. Grab sampling.
Following the deployment of the wave/current meters, topography and bathymetry survey will be undertaken. Small sediment samples of the beach and seabed material will also be collected for grain size analysis for development of a sediment size map and input into sediment transport modelling.
The instruments will be deployed for 8 weeks.
At this stage it is unknown is local wind data is available. These data will be collected using an onsite system (e.g. a windbird) if no data exists.
CCPA plans to undertake this work as early in 2012 as feasible.
Results will be published on this website.
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