RAPID: Sediment Delivery and Dispersal from the Copper River, Alaska, Following Record Snowfall: Implications for Future Climate Change?

College Of William & Mary Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, Gloucester Point VA

Investigators

Abstract

Record high snowfall in the Copper River basin, AK, during winter 2011-2012 is expected to result in anomalously high water and sediment discharge in early summer (June-July). To characterize river outflow and sediment dispersal during this time, this RAPID project will survey flow properties, sediment concentrations, and the distribution of fluid muds near the river mouth and on the shallow shelf. In addition, cores will be collected in the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound to explore the potential for developing a paleo record of Copper River discharge, which is expected to vary with climate conditions. This work will take advantage of a historic snowfall season to better understand the effects of climate perturbations on discharge and sedimentation patterns in an ecologically important high-latitude region.