Research & Projects

Willapa Bay, Washington, a significant site for aquaculture, tourism, recreation, and biodiversity, is vulnerable to climate change. Willapa Bay produces 30% of the U.S. oyster export, and local industries are impacted by changing patterns of sedimentation. We investigated how sedimentary processes affect its intertidal habitats, focusing on sea-level rise and sediment supply changes. This project evaluates the variation of wave energy and sediment transport and deposition across a mudflat based on distance from shore, water depth, and grain size. We deployed instruments to measure waves, currents, and water properties, and collected sediment cores from a transect with four sites in Willapa Bay during August 2023 and April 2024. This comprehensive approach allowed us to capture both seasonal and spatial variations in sedimentary processes. 

Objectives

We aim to identify and quantify the sediment sources, sinks, and transport mechanisms in Willapa Bay. 

Results

So far, results suggest that future sea-level rise and more dynamic weather events will lead to increased wave heights and turbidity, resulting in more suspended and transported sediment. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate impacts on coastal ecosystems and local industries.