<p> Cobequid Bay is a macrotidal embayment with a large intertidal sand bar complex at the east end, located at the head of the Bay of Fundy. Two sand bars were sampled in order to observe variations in impact pit densities on the surfaces of quartz sand grains, and to identify the pattern of grain size distribution over two intertidal bedforms. </p> <p> V pit densities obtained by viewing the quartz grain surfaces at magnifications of 10,000 and 5,000X with a scanning electron microscope indicate a linear correlation with grain size. The number of small V's appears to be consistent for all grain sizes, with the result that V's larger than approximately 1/5 micrometer produce the linear variation noted. Two trends of V pits formation combine to produce a "plateau", in which two grain size classes have similar V pit densities. This plateau corresponds to the break-point between the traction population and the intermittent suspension population. Trend one consists of the bombardment of large, well exposed grains (transported in the traction layer), by smaller saltating grains, while trend two consists of grain impacts between smaller grains in the concentrated "rheological layer". </p> <p> Two different grain size patterns were discovered on the two sampled bedforms. A fining upward trend toward the crest on both the stoss and slip faces was observed on an ebb dominated megaripple on Selmah Bar. The exact opposite pattern was noted on an ebb dominated sandwave from East Noel Bar. On this bedform, an upward coarsening trend toward the crest was discovered on both the stoss and slip faces. These two patterns correspond to the patterns observed by Dalrymple (1977) in his studies of intertidal bedforms. </p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Science (BSc)

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This thesis presents a new template for multidisciplinary habitat mapping that combines the analyses of seafloor geomorphology, oceanographic proxies and modelling of associated biologic features. High resolution swath bathymetry of the Faial and western Pico shelves is used to present the first state-of-the-art geomorphologic assessment of submerged island shelves in the Azores. Solid seafloor structures are described in previously unreported detail together with associated volcanic, tectonic and erosion processes. The large sedimentary expanses identified in the area are also investigated and the large bedforms identified are discussed in view of new data on the local hydrodynamic conditions. Coarse-sediment zones of types hitherto unreported for volcanic island shelves are described using swath data and in situ imagery together with sub-bottom profiles and grainsize information. The hydrodynamic and geological processes producing these features are discussed. New oceanographic information extracted from satellite imagery is presented including yearly and seasonal sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration fields. These are used as proxies to understand the spatio-temporal variability of water temperature and primary productivity in the immediate island vicinity. The patterns observed are discussed, including onshore-offshore gradients and the prevalence of colder/more productive waters in the Faial-Pico passage and shelf areas in general. Furthermore, oceanographic proxies for swell exposure and tidal currents are derived from GIS analyses and shallow-water hydrographic modelling. Finally, environmental variables that potentially regulate the distribution of benthic organisms (seafloor nature, depth, slope, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration, swell exposure and maximum tidal currents) are brought together and used to develop innovative statistical models of the distribution of six macroalgae taxa dominant in the infralittoral (articulated Corallinaceae, Codium elisabethae, Dictyota spp., Halopteris filicina, Padina pavonica and Zonaria tournefortii). Predictive distributions of these macroalgae are spatialized around Faial island using ordered logistic regression equations and raster fields of the explanatory variables found to be statistically significant. This new approach represents a potentially highly significant step forward in modelling benthic communities not only in the Azores but also in other oceanic island shelves where the management of benthic species and biotopes is critical to preserve ecosystem health.

Cette thèse étudie l’organisation longitudinale du lit du Rhône français et son évolution depuis plus d’un siècle afin d’améliorer la gestion des sédiments du fleuve. Elle décrit d’abord la complexité géographique, géologique, et hydrologique des 512 km du système fluvial. Les extractions, l’endiguement, la chenalisation et les aménagements hydroélectriques ont simplifié le tracé latéral du chenal, incisé et pavé le fond du lit et appauvri les habitats aquatiques et riverains. La thèse caractérise ensuite plus précisément les dynamiques de fond. Elle repose sur des données bathymétriques de 1897-2010 et sur des données granulométriques issues de plus de 300 prélèvements réalisés dans le cadre de ces travaux sur l’ensemble du linéaire. Un protocole d’échantillonnage homogène a été spécialement élaboré. Les variations altimétriques du lit (zones de stockage-érosion et faciès morphologiques) et sa composition granulométrique (zones pavées ou comblées par des fines) ont été caractérisées afin d’évaluer la mobilité potentielle de la charge de fond, les apports des affluents et l’impact des ouvrages sur les conditions de transport. Il ressort 1) que l’incision du lit est principalement due à la chenalisation, 2) que les aménagements hydroélectriques ont compartimenté le continuum en provoquant le stockage de sédiments fins dans certaines retenues et en favorisant le pavage dans les vieux Rhône à l’aval de Lyon et 3) qu’une dynamique résiduelle subsiste lors de crues majeures avec une remobilisation modérée de la charge de fond. Les données des secteurs les plus pavés ont été intégrées dans un modèle hydraulique 1D permettant de quantifier la capacité de transport et le débit solide et confirmant les résultats précédents. Ces travaux permettent de formuler des recommandations de gestion durable et de restauration écologique du fleuve telles que l’ouverture des vannes de fond en crue, la modification des consignes aux barrages ou la réinjection de graviers. / This thesis studies the French Rhone riverbed longitudinal organisation and its evolution over a century, with a view to improve the management strategy for the sediments. It first describes the geographic, geologic and hydrologic peculiarities of the 512-km long fluvial system. Gravel mining, dikes construction, channelization and dams construction have simplified the lateral pattern of the channel, incised and paved the riverbed and impoverished the aquatic and riparian habitats. The thesis then more precisely characterizes the riverbed dynamics. It relies on bathymetric data collected since 1897 and on grainsize data collected specifically for this study from over 300 samples on the whole 512-km river length. An homogeneous sampling protocol was elaborated on purpose. The vertical bed evolution and grainsize distribution were analysed to assess the riverbed potential mobility, tributaries’ sediment recharge and infrastructures’ impact on sediment transport. It thus appears that 1) riverbed incision is mainly due to channelization, 2) hydroelectric dams partitioned the continuum with the accumulation of fine sediments in some backwaters and the pavement of bypassed reaches downstream of Lyon and 3) a residual dynamic persists during major floods, with moderate gravels transport. The data of paved reaches were used in a 1D hydraulic model to quantify transport capacity and bedload discharge, confirming the aforementioned results. This study helps formulate such recommendations for sustainable river management and ecological restoration as opening slush gates during floods, changing dams management instructions or reinjecting gravel.