studies. Carbonate content of the sediment may also be available. 

 Common beach features such as cusping, position of foredune and berm, 

 offshore bars, longshore transport, and local geological features such 

 as headlands, offshore islands, stream mouths, freshwater springs, and 

 submarine canyons should be noted. Available water temperature and 

 salinity data should also be analyzed before preparing a sampling plan. 



Nearby manmade features (planned or existing) such as seawalls, 

 groins, offshore breakwaters, piers, artificial islands, and sewer 

 outfalls should be considered in planning the location of sampling 

 stations. 



2. Timing Field Trips . 



Determining when samples can be taken is one of the most important 

 considerations in assuring successful sampling of a high-energy sand 

 beach. When sea conditions are suitable (i.e., waves are low enough to 

 permit sampling) a field crew should be available on short notice to 

 sample before the conditions change. CERC's experience has been that if 

 the waves are of short period (about 6 to 7 seconds) and the beach is 

 steep (> 9 percent) , the highest tolerable wave is about 2 to 3 feet 

 (0.6 to 1 meter). Higher waves (4 to 6 feet or 1.2 to 2 meters) may be 

 tolerated if the wave periods are longer (at least 10 to 12 seconds) and 

 the beach is gently sloping (< 9 percent) . An experienced field crew 

 can work under much more rigorous conditions than an inexperienced crew. 

 Sampling on the same tidal phase during each trip is recommended. 



The best way to plan the sampling is to obtain historic weather 

 records (App. A) and wave records (App. B) , and choose periods of rela- 

 tively calm sea conditions. After the general sampling periods have been 

 defined, short-term (24 hours) wave forecasts can be used to improve the 

 chances of success on field trips. • 



Data from weather summary sheets, wave gages, arid information on the 

 orientation of the coast and offshore bottom contours can be used to 

 determine general wave climate trends. After establishing long-term 

 trends and the general sampling time, actual sampling dates must be 

 selected. The National Weather Service (NWS) information can be used 

 for this purpose. Marine NWS charts summarize the major sources of 

 local weather information in each of 15 coastal areas of the United 

 States (see App. A for chart listing and ordering information), Small- 

 craft navigation charts, often available at marinas and marine supply 

 stores, frequently list local sources of marine weather information 

 (App. A). Since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

 (NOAA) Weather Radio System is operational for most coastal areas of 

 hhe United States, the monitoring of these broadcasts, which report wave 

 conditions at nearby NOAA gages, will help the field crew determine favor- 

 able sampling conditions. Monitoring in the field will also alert the 

 crew to changing weather conditions and severe thunderstorm activity. 

 Local wave gage information may be available from the same sources as 

 the historic data (App. B) . A reliable observer living or working at or 



