First-Year Research in Earth Sciences: Dunes
Conference Presentation: Wright, Vashan and Deanna van Dijk (2012). “Can the use
of Hsu’s model for sand transport rates help scientists understand Lake Michigan coastal
dunes?” Annual Meeting of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters, Alma
College (Alma, MI), 2 March 2012; poster.
Abstract: Mathematical models are useful for predicting real-world phenomena, but can
a sand transport model help researchers understand processes on Lake Michigan dunes?
This study investigates predicted and actual sand transport rates at a beach site in P.J
Hoffmaster State Park, Michigan. In November 2011, actual sand transport rates were
measured using Leatherman sand-traps employed for thirty-minute periods. Wind data
were collected with an anemometer array at the study area; surface conditions were also
recorded, including fetch distance and surface moisture content. Predicted sand transport
rates were calculated using Hsu’s mathematical model and wind data collected at the
field site. When compared to field measurements, Hsu’s model tends to over-predict sand
transport rate. Investigating models might be a helpful way to simplify and understand
what is going on at Lake Michigan coastal dunes.