Barrier islands like Assateague Island, located south of Ocean City, Maryland, are rapidly changing due to rising seas and frequent storms. To combat severe erosion, sand dredged from nearby Ocean City Inlet is regularly placed at the island’s northern end. The dredged sediment is placed at a 0.41-square-kilometer consolidated placement area. We used an autonomous drone to survey the beach portion, and a sonar to survey the offshore portion of this consolidated placement area, from which we produced 3-D models to observe how dredging impacts the area’s sand volume. By continuing this research, especially during storms, we will help coastal managers understand the best ways to protect beaches from erosion and plan for future sea-level rise.
