CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Catto, N.; Ingram, D.; Edinger, E.; Foote, D.; Kearney, D.; Lines, G.; and Whiffen, B.
Date : 2006.
Title : Impacts of storms and winds on transportation in southwestern Newfoundland.
Publication : Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers, May 29-June 3, 2006. Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Issue : Programe 2006.
Page(s) : 34-35.
Abstract
Southwestern Newfoundland contains two vital links in the surface transportation route connecting the island and Canada. The Port-aux-Basques ferry terminal is the major entry port for freight, and the only passenger port operating year-round. The Trans-Canada Highway connects Port-aux-Basques to Newfoundland through the gap at Wreckhouse, an area subject to extremely strong winds capable of halting traffic. More than 500,000 people depend on the simultaneous maintenance of these two surface transportation links. The cumulative impact of waves on natural shorelines and coastal infrastructure is increasing, due to incremental damage and stress suffered under storm events. The geomorphic consequences include increased wave erosion by storm surges, increased coastal erosion, and coarsening and narrowing of beaches and dunes. Increased storm-induced erosion is apparent, and there is evidence of cumulative effects. Analysis of climate data has identified the general climate trends for southwestern Newfoundland. Westerly winds have the greatest influence on ferry traffic into Port-aux-Basques Harbour while easterly winds are primarily responsible for triggering Wreckhouse wind events. Tidal records show that the height of relative sea level is currently increasing, but there is little evidence of climatic variability in extreme surge heights over a seventy year period. Clear seasonality was present in the calculated wind stress. There was no obvious change in storm surge frequency or magnitude, and no apparent relationships with tidal constituent cycles or the North Atlantic Oscillation. The frequency of Wreckhouse wind events has increased in the past several years but no long term trends are evident. Coupled with the uncertainty surrounding hurricane events, it appears that the interruptions to highway transportation at Wreckhouse are at least as significant as are the influences on marine transportation.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology