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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

“Enriching Lives Within Sedimentary Geology”: Actionable Recommendations For Making Sepm A Diverse, Equitable And Inclusive Society For All Sedimentary Geologists, R.C. Mahon, A.M. Fernandes, A. Abeyta, R. Martindale, K.D Bergman, C. Jackson, Et Al Sep 2020

“Enriching Lives Within Sedimentary Geology”: Actionable Recommendations For Making Sepm A Diverse, Equitable And Inclusive Society For All Sedimentary Geologists, R.C. Mahon, A.M. Fernandes, A. Abeyta, R. Martindale, K.D Bergman, C. Jackson, Et Al

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

Innovative science benefits from diversity of thought and influence at all waypoints along the scientific journey, from early education to career-length contributions in research and mentorship. Scientific societies, like the Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM), steward their innovators and the direction of the science, thereby defining the societal impact and evolution of a discipline. They are uniquely positioned to promote the representation and success of all scientists, including those from minoritized populations, through proactive advocacy, and inclusive mentorship, awards, and leadership. We introspectively review available records of SEPM membership, leadership, awardees, and editorial boards to identify areas for growth and …


Probability Distributions Of Particle Hop Distance And Travel Time Over Equilibrium Mobile Bedforms, Robert C. Mahon, Ashley C. Thomas, Suleyman Naqshband, Kate C. P. Leary, Brandon Mcelroy Jul 2020

Probability Distributions Of Particle Hop Distance And Travel Time Over Equilibrium Mobile Bedforms, Robert C. Mahon, Ashley C. Thomas, Suleyman Naqshband, Kate C. P. Leary, Brandon Mcelroy

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

The joint probability distribution of streamwise particle hop distance, lateral particle hop distance, and travel time constrains the relationships between topographic change and sediment transport at the granular scale. Previous studies have investigated the ensemble characteristics of particle motions over plane bed topography; however, it is unclear whether reported distributions remain valid when bedforms are present. Here, we present measurements of particle motion over bedform topography obtained in a laboratory flume and compare these to particle motions over plane bed topography with otherwise similar conditions. We find substantial differences in particle motion in the presence of bedforms that …


Distributary Channel Networks As Moving Boundaries: Causes And Morphodynamic Effects, Robert C. Mahon, John B. Shaw, Wun-Tao Ke, Christopher A. Cathcart Jul 2019

Distributary Channel Networks As Moving Boundaries: Causes And Morphodynamic Effects, Robert C. Mahon, John B. Shaw, Wun-Tao Ke, Christopher A. Cathcart

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

We propose an exploratory model to describe the morphodynamics of distributary channel network growth on river deltas. The interface between deep channels and the shallow, unchannelized delta front deposits is modeled as a moving boundary. Steady flow over the unchannelized delta front is friction dominated and modeled by Laplace's equation. Shear stress along the network boundary produces nonlinear erosion rates at the interface, causing the boundary to move and network elements (channels and branches) to form. The model was run for boundary conditions resembling the Wax Lake Delta in coastal Louisiana, 20 parameterizations of sediment transport, and 3 …


Validating A Universal Model Of Particle Transport Lengths With Laboratory Measurements Of Suspended Grain Motions, Robert C. Mahon, Brandon Mcelroy, Suleyman Naqshband May 2017

Validating A Universal Model Of Particle Transport Lengths With Laboratory Measurements Of Suspended Grain Motions, Robert C. Mahon, Brandon Mcelroy, Suleyman Naqshband

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

t The mechanics of sediment transport are of fundamental importance for fluvio-deltaic morphodynamics. The present study focuses on quantifying particle motions and trajectories across a wide range of flow conditions. In particular, a continuous model is presented that predicts particle travel distances for saltation and suspension based on Rouse number and relative grain roughness. By utilizing a series of eight video cameras in a plexiglass flume direct measurements of the distributions of particle travel distances (excursion lengths) were obtained. To this end, experiments were carried out in dark under black lights with fluorescent painted plastic and quartz sand particles. For …


Quantifying The Stratigraphic Completeness Of Delta Shoreline Trajectories, Robert C. Mahon, John B. Shaw, Katherine R. Barnhart, Daniel E. J. Hobley, Brandon Mcelroy Jan 2015

Quantifying The Stratigraphic Completeness Of Delta Shoreline Trajectories, Robert C. Mahon, John B. Shaw, Katherine R. Barnhart, Daniel E. J. Hobley, Brandon Mcelroy

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

Understanding the incomplete nature of the stratigraphic record is fundamental for interpreting stratigraphic sequences. Methods for quantifying stratigraphic completeness for one-dimensional stratigraphic columns, defined as the proportion of time intervals of some length that contain stratigraphy, are commonplace; however, quantitative assessments of completeness in higher dimensions are lacking. Here we present a metric for defining stratigraphic completeness of two-dimensional shoreline trajectories using topset-foreset rollover positions in dip-parallel sections and describe the preservation potential of a shoreline trajectory derived from the geometry of the delta surface profile and the kinematics of the geomorphic shoreline trajectory. Two end-member forward models are required …


The Response Of Lake Pontchartrain Fish Assemblages To Hurricanes Katrina And Rita, Martin T. O'Connell, Ann M.U. O'Connell, Christopher Schieble Jan 2014

The Response Of Lake Pontchartrain Fish Assemblages To Hurricanes Katrina And Rita, Martin T. O'Connell, Ann M.U. O'Connell, Christopher Schieble

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

To assess possible impacts on Lake Pontchartrain fishes from the 2005 hurricanes, we 45 compared trawl, beach seine, and gillnet collections taken before (2000-2003, 2005) and after 46 (2006-2009) to determine if significant assemblage changes occurred. We also compared basic 47 environmental variables to test for hurricane-related changes. Significant post-hurricane changes 48 in fish assemblages occurred in trawl (ANOSIM, R < 0.090, p < 0.05) and beach seine 49 (ANOSIM, R < 0.120, p < 0.05) collections across all seasons. Gillnet assemblages exhibited 50 changes in only one season (ANOSIM, R = 0.045, p < 0.05). These consistently low global R 51 values (all R < 0.120) across all gears suggest only minor compositional changes in species. 52 When peak abundance periods were compared for individual species, Gulf menhaden 53 (Brevoortia patronus) declined in trawl collections after the hurricanes (Friedman’s test, χ2 = 54 6.00, p = 0.014) but increased in gillnet collections (Friedman’s test, χ2=5.00, p = 0.025). 55 Hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) increased in trawl collections, but Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus 56 scovelli), naked gobies (Gobiosoma bosc), and rough silverside (Membras martinica) all 57 declined in beach seine samples and Atlantic croakers (M. undulatus), Spanish mackerel 58 (Scomberomorus maculatus), and sand seatrout (Cynoscion arenarius) all declined in gillnet 59 samples. In general, salinity increased and water clarity and dissolved oxygen decreased after 60 the hurricanes. While the overall composition of Lake Pontchartrain fish assemblages remains 61 stable, the significant decline of some species and changes in certain environmental variables are 62 cause for concern. Future monitoring should determine if all elements of this estuary will 63 recover from these impacts.


Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program (Bicm) Volume 3: Bathymetry And Historical Seafloor Change 1869-2007 Part 2: South Central Louisiana And Northern Chandeleur Islands, Bathymetry Maps, Michael Miner, Mark Kulp, Jeffrey P. Motti, Dallon Weathers, Phil Mccarty, Michael Brown, Julie Torres, Luis Martinez, James G. Flocks, Nancy Dewitt, Nick Ferina, B J. Reynolds, David Twichell, Wayne Baldwin, Bill Danforth, Chuck Worley, Emile Bergeron Feb 2009

Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program (Bicm) Volume 3: Bathymetry And Historical Seafloor Change 1869-2007 Part 2: South Central Louisiana And Northern Chandeleur Islands, Bathymetry Maps, Michael Miner, Mark Kulp, Jeffrey P. Motti, Dallon Weathers, Phil Mccarty, Michael Brown, Julie Torres, Luis Martinez, James G. Flocks, Nancy Dewitt, Nick Ferina, B J. Reynolds, David Twichell, Wayne Baldwin, Bill Danforth, Chuck Worley, Emile Bergeron

Pontchartrain Institute Reports and Studies

No abstract provided.