Beach Profiling

Profiling the beach: The path goes over the dune.

Teammates checking out the area we observed.

Beach profiling is the process of measuring the height of a beach at different points so you can see what the beach would look like in profile. It allows us to look at the beach from the side, which is a perspective we could only actually achieve by going underground. The main factors affecting the profile of beaches are wind, waves, and human activity.

If you wanted to profile a beach, follow these instructions:

1. 
   
   Locate the beginning marker on the beach. Find its GPS coodinates.


2. 
   
   Locate the direction perpendicular to the ocean and find its direction in degrees. Measure out the length with a transect line.


3. 
   
   Place the Rise measuring stick on the beginning point. Place the Run measuring stick so it just contats the Rise stick (in the direction of the transect line). Make sure both are level and take measurements from both (upward movements are negative where downward ones are positive).


4. 
   
   Move the Rise stick to the current location of the Run stick and place the Run stick so it just contacts the Rise stick. Level and measure.


5. 
   
   Repeat 3-4 until the Run stick reaches the foot of the beach. Place the Run stick in the center of the foot (this may mean that the Run stick goes past the Rise stick). Level and measure.


6. 
   
   Analyze your data.