Coastal Currents and Waves along the Texas Coastal Bend: Measurements and Model Comparisons

Current profiles and wave measurements were collected along the Texas Coastal Bend taking advantage of the infrastructure of Bob Hall Pier located near Corpus Christi, Texas. Measurements included significant wave height, typical wave period, average along and cross-shore currents and current profiles for the period of June 2014 through fall 2015. The instruments are installed near two inlets and associated sensitive avian and aquatic habitat. Measurements during the duration of the observations will be presented and correlated with local conditions, in particular the influence of atmospheric forcings during frontal passages and strong southeasterly flow. The measurements will also be used to compare the performance of several operational hydrodynamic models including the recently deployed Northern Gulf of Mexico Operational Forecast System (NGOFS). Finally model nowcasts are used to illustrate nearshore current patterns.

The instruments continue to provide near real-time data invaluable to facilitate the prediction of oil movement and the deployment of protection measures in case of oil spill. The data is also leading to a better understanding of sediment transport along the coast and more specifically for the periodic renourishment and maintenance of the nearby popular beaches located along Mustang and North Padre Island. Other applications include providing information appropriate for search and rescue situations, reporting surf conditions and alerting beach-goers to conditions favorable to the onset of rip currents.