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Applied Geomorphology Project Report: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
GEOG 3213
Samuel Okundonor
A00446910
Introduction
Background: Mahone Bay, located along the South Shore of Nova Scotia, is a region of ecological and cultural importance that faces increasing pressures from climate change, coastal erosion, and human development. This study is conducted to provide baseline geomorphological data to support the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and potentially contribute to Green Shores certification programs that promote sustainable shoreline management practices.
Purpose of the Study: The objective of this project is to assess the coastal geomorphology of Mahone Bay by evaluating sediment characteristics, shoreline structure, and evidence of erosion or deposition. This includes collecting data that can help determine the suitability of the site for coastal restoration or mitigation strategies.
Past Work: While there has been general coastal monitoring in Nova Scotia, limited localized geomorphological assessments have been published for Mahone Bay. Some previous environmental studies have focused on habitat restoration and sea level rise modeling, but this study seeks to provide a targeted geomorphological analysis.
Geographical Setting
Location: Mahone Bay is a large, scenic bay dotted with over 300 islands, located on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The study area is focused on the northeastern shoreline of the bay, near Second Peninsula and Mader's Cove.
Environmental Conditions:
Tidal Range: Semi-diurnal with an average range of 1.6 meters.
Winds and Waves: Dominated by southwesterly winds; wave action is often moderate but intensifies during storms.
Vegetation: Coastal grasses, salt-tolerant shrubs, and small forested patches; some invasive species noted.
Site Description: The site features mixed sand and gravel beaches, intertidal flats, salt marshes, and low rocky outcrops. The shoreline is dynamic, with visible erosion in areas adjacent to residential properties. There is a mix of natural and altered coastline, including soft stabilization efforts and private seawalls.
Special Considerations: Portions of the site are within areas being considered for ecological restoration, and there is growing local interest in applying NbS to protect community infrastructure.
Methods
Fieldwork Activities:
Conducted sediment sampling at five sites along the northeastern shoreline.
Performed topographic surveys using RTK GPS to generate elevation profiles.
Observed and recorded evidence of erosion, deposition, and anthropogenic alterations.
Equipment and Software:
RTK GPS unit for accurate elevation data
Sieve set and digital scale for grain size analysis
Grandistat software for sediment classification and statistical analysis
Google Earth and QGIS for mapping sample locations and shoreline features
Map of Study Area: [Insert Figure 1: Map showing Mahone Bay study area and sample locations. Include north arrow, scale bar, and legend.]
Results
Sediment Analysis:
Sample 1 (Mader's Cove): Predominantly gravel and coarse sand.
Sample 2: Fine to medium sand, with shell fragments.
Sample 3: Mixed grain sizes, poorly sorted.
Sample 4 (Salt Marsh edge): Silt and fine sand with organic content.
Sample 5 (Second Peninsula): Well-sorted fine sand.
Topographic Profiles:
Shoreline slopes ranged from gentle (<5%) in marsh areas to steeper (>15%) in gravel beach zones.
Visible erosion scarps and undercut vegetation at multiple points along the transects.
Limitations and Errors:
Weather conditions caused minor disruptions in GPS data.
Sediment moisture content may have affected weight measurements.
Limited time prevented broader spatial sampling.
Discussion and Conclusions
Summary of Findings: This study identified varying sediment types and shoreline forms in Mahone Bay, with signs of active erosion in certain areas. Beaches composed of coarse material exhibited more resilience, while finer-grained shores near salt marshes showed higher vulnerability.
Implications: These findings support the need for targeted shoreline protection strategies, especially near residential zones and ecologically sensitive areas. Nature-based approaches such as salt marsh enhancement or dune restoration may offer long-term solutions.
Recommendations:
Install monitoring equipment for long-term data collection.
Engage local stakeholders in coastal stewardship.
Explore feasibility of Green Shores certification for pilot sites.
Consider soft engineering solutions tailored to sediment type and shoreline slope.
References
(Include references in consistent format: APA, MLA, etc.)
Government of Nova Scotia. (2023). Coastal Protection Act Overview.
Green Shores. (2022). Program Guide for Shoreline Restoration.
Grandistat User Manual.
Appendices
Appendix A: Raw Sediment Data Table
Appendix B: Topographic Profiles (with vertical exaggeration noted)
Appendix C: Photos of Sampling Sites
Appendix D: Grandistat Output Files
Appendix E: Full-size Map of Study Area
