Unenhanced imagery recorded by the multispectral scanner (MSS) of the NASA Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1) was analyzed to determine how satellite imagery may be applied to specific coastal engineering problems. The study area is a segment of the North Carolina coast comprising Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Inlet, Masonboro Beach, Carolina Beach Inlet, and Carolina Beach, which are areas of ongoing research by CERC. Analysis was supplemented by underflight imagery supplied by NASA and ground-truth data. Several significant coastal features are visi ble in the ERTS-1 imagery. Among those are plumes of suspended sediment emerging from inlets, changes in water coloration possibly due to effects of temperature change, inlet bars, and cape bars. In addition, morphological changes in selected coastal land features were determined by comparing ERTS-l films obtained about 1 year apart. Limited water depth penetration is afforded by examining the lower MSS spectral bands. Maximum penetration can be expected to measure in tens of feet, depending on the physical characteristics of ocean water. Although inadequate for deeper penetration, this capability is adequate for exposure of backshore and nearshore underwater features. Image resolution capability is sufficient for observation of gross coastal features and processes but may not be adequate for viewing smaller features such as wave patterns, morphological features on beaches, and many engineering structures.
An ERTS-1 Study of Coastal Features on the North Carolina Coast
Miscellaneous Report ; 76-2
1976
13924442
Report
Electronic Resource
English