ABSTRACT:

This dataset contains raw and processed data from a field-based hydrodynamic study conducted to evaluate the performance of a hybrid artificial reef structure in St. Andrew Bay, Florida. The repository includes raw flow velocity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) data, along with processed results, figures, and summary tables. Hydrodynamic and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) data were collected in two periods: pre-construction (baseline condition; summer 2023) and immediately post-construction (late fall 2024). Baseline sampling at the Control Site (CS) and Reef Site (BASE) was conducted during ebb tides in the high-water season to capture seasonal variability. At each site, two Nortek Vectrino Profilers measured flow at 5 cm (near bed) and 10 cm (above bed) from the seabed, a Nortek Vector Profiler measured offshore incident flow 5 cm above the seabed, and a turbidity sensor positioned adjacent to the Vectrino measured turbidity at 5 cm Channel flow near the reef site was measured with a Nortek Aquadopp HR Profiler deployed at a fixed location. Post-construction sampling followed the same approach with site-specific adjustments at four reef locations: US (upslope, in front of Reef B), DS (downslope, behind Reef B), GAP (between Reef Sections B and C), and SM (behind smaller module F). Measurements at US and DS were referenced to the reef-module bed (45 cm reef module); those at GAP, SM, and CS were referenced to the natural seabed. Flow at CS, US, and DS were measured at 5 cm and 10 cm; at GAP and SM, measurements were taken at 5 cm only .

ABSTRACT:

This dataset contains high-resolution hydrodynamic and sediment measurements collected at a natural Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reef in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, to examine how spatial variability in canopy density influences flow and sediment dynamics. Velocity measurements were obtained using Vectrino acoustic Doppler velocimeters deployed both within and above four distinct canopy density types: sparse, moderately dense, clustered dense, and homogeneous dense. Additional measurements of incident and channel flow were collected using a Nortek Vector acoustic Doppler velocimeter and a Nortek HR Profiler. Derived parameters include mean flow velocity components (u, v, w). Complementary sediment core analyses provide grain size distributions and organic matter content (loss-on-ignition). Results from quadrant analysis of 0.25 m² quadrats, used to characterize canopy density across reef types, are also included.