Sediment deposition and erosion in south San Francisco Bay, California from 1956 to 2005

Open-File Report 2006-1287
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Abstract

Sediment deposition and erosion in South San Francisco Bay from 1956 to 2005 was studied by comparing bathymetric surveys made in 1956, 1983, and 2005. From 1956 to 1983, the region was erosional. In contrast, from 1983 to 2005, the region was depositional. Analysis of subregions defined by depth, morphology and location revealed similarities in behavior during both the erosional and depositional periods. During the entire period of the study, there was net erosion in the shallows (<1 m depth) on the eastern shore of the bay north of the Dumbarton Bridge and net deposition in the region south of Dumbarton Bridge. The rates, however, reflected the sediment regime of each time period. Erosional areas were less erosional during the period with net deposition and depositional zones were more depositional. The cause for the increase in deposition from 1983 to 2005 is unknown, but could be related to an increase in sediment supply from Central Bay. The patterns of deposition and erosion and the change in rates are consistent with an increase in sediment supply from the north, as would occur if the supply from Central Bay increased from 1956-1983 to 1983-2005. Additional research is needed to fully understand why South San Francisco Bay became depositional from 1983 to 2005 and to determine the implications of this change to the planned salt pond restoration in the region.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Sediment deposition and erosion in south San Francisco Bay, California from 1956 to 2005
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2006-1287
DOI 10.3133/ofr20061287
Edition Version 1.0, Revised and reprinted 2006
Year Published 2006
Language ENGLISH
Contributing office(s) San Francisco Bay-Delta, Pacific Regional Director's Office
Description 24 p.
Time Range Start 1956-01-01
Time Range End 2005-12-31
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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