These datasets include measurements of hydrodynamic (currents and water levels) and wave conditions, vegetation bio-mechanic characteristics (biomass, stem height, diameter, and density), and topo-bathymetric features during the period of (2014-2017) that were measured in the field during extreme events, regular tidal cycles, and over different seasons. This dataset provides the information for the campaigns in Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia, USA. Hydrodynamic measurements were carried out with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) (Aquadopp Nortek 2 MHz) and RBR D-wave sensors; vegetation surveys included the measurements of vegetation height, diameter and stem spacing using randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats on the ground surface. The sensors, topo-bathy data and vegetation measurement’s locations are georeferenced using a differential GPS Trimble R4. SAV measurements (when present) were carried out by using haphazardly placed 0.25m2 quadrats. At each site, the team measured 1) total SAV percent cover, 2) percent cover of each individual species, 3) canopy height, 4) epiphyte presence on SAV leaf blades, and 5) water depth. All the field procedures, data processing, equipment, and project methodology are described in the QAPP document.
This field work is part of the project “Quantifying storm surge attenuation by wetlands” funded by the US Department of the Interior (DOI) & National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) as part of the Hurricane Sandy Relief Program (Award#43932). The project is a collaboration between George Mason University and the United Stated Geological Survey (USGS). This project quantified the ability of salt marshes in the Chesapeake Bay to attenuate coastal hazards; including the attenuation of storm surge and the reduction of wave energy by these natural ecosystems. The project documented the interaction of storm surges and waves with marshes by measuring hydrodynamic conditions in the field during extreme events (waves, currents and water levels), vegetation characteristics and topo-bathymetric surveys in 4 natural preserves in the Chesapeake Bay during the extent of the project, including several coastal storms and hurricanes.