LITTORAL ENVIRONMENT OBSERVATIONS 



Instructions tor tilling out CERC form No. 32 



CERC form No. 32 has been designed for processing by optical scanning equipment. This equipment automatically "reads" 

 forms and converts the recorded data to punched cards which will then allow analysis of the data by computer methods . It xS 

 recommended that a number 2, black, lead pencil be used to mark the forms. When data positions are marked, the nark should 1 

 length of the mark positions and should fill at least two-thirds of the space between the top and bottom of the guide lines, 

 should not extend more than 1/16" beyond the ends of the guide lines and in no case should they be extended beyond the margi 

 in will result in erroneous reading of the data form. If an error is made in r 



STATION IDENTIFICATION: 



Each site in the "Littoral Environment Observation" study has been assigned a numerical code consisting of 5 digits. T 

 digits define the State or territory in which the site is located and the remaining 3 digits define the particular beach or 

 state or territory. A space has also been provided to write in the name of the particular beach or park at which the observa 



SURF I 



a. Wave Period - Record the time in seconds for eleven (11) wave "crests" to pass some stationary point. Eleven "crests"w: 

 ten complete waves (crests and troughs). The first (1) "crest" selected for observation is recorded as time zero and the eleven' 



b. Wave Height - This observation is based solely on the judgement of the observer. Natural or manmade features on the sh< 

 or in the surf zone whose dimensions are known nay aid in judging the height of a wave. Otherwise the observer's best estimate i 

 sufficient. Record the wave height to the nearest foot. 



C. Wave Direction - To indicate the direction of the approaching waves the observer must know the approximate orientation < 

 beach with respect to north. The observer can then determine the direction " from which " the waves are approaching the beach, 

 d. Type of Breaking Wave 



Spilling - Spilling occurs when the wave crests becomes unstable at the top and the crest flows down the front face of 

 producing an irregular, foamy water surface, (see figure 1 on reverse side) 



producing a high splash and much foam. (see figure 2 on reverse side) 

 Surging - Surging occurs when the wave crests remains unbroken while the base of the front face of the wave advances u 

 beach, (see figure 3 on reverse side) 



WIND OBSERVATIONS: 



BEACH OBSERVATIONS: 



a. Elevation of most seaward beach berm crest. To obtain this measurement a graduated reference pole has been installed on 

 and the observer has been provided with a hand level. The hand level will be used as a surveying level therefore it is suggested 

 observer provide himself with a vertical support such as a 2 by 4 or a pipe to rest the instrument on. This support must be of a 

 length, say 4 or 5 feet. After locating the position of the most seaward beach berm crest the observer standing on the bern crest 

 using his level will take a reading of the graduated reference pole. This reading minus the known length of the level support sha 



set screw and note the reading on the DEQtEE ; 



OBSERVATIONS: 



a. Current Velocity. For this measurement the observer has been provided with dye. The dye should be thrown into or just forward of 

 reaker zone. The observer will note the position of the dye at entry into the breaker zone and the position of the dye after an elapse' 

 of one (1) minute. Measure the distance between these two positions and enter the value in the' spaces provided on the form. 



b. Current direction. Having already established the approximate orientation of the beach the observer can readily determine the 



ARE RIP cri'RINT ■■ 



return the water that has been piled up along the shore by incoming waves. \t ' f ' , 



Rip currents are fed by feeder currents, water moving along the shore. , f ■"""_/ 



(see. figure at right). Two currents join and extend out in what is known as V \ t ^ \ \ 



-,;, — j, , t j' 



ipates. If such 



\\\--" E " „„,„„ ,„ llC 



3> V,\\=£l=ccr a=3=a il3=' y\.V* 



Figure 3a. Front of Instruction Sheet 



