models (models that describe primarily time-averaged phenomena and 

 may include bars, berms, and similar morphologic features). 



c. Collect data to quantify performance of sandbars ("nearshore berms") 

 constructed offshore as a beneficial use of dredged material. 



d. Test and compare sediment-sensing acoustic instruments in a con- 

 trolled, field-scale environment in support of dredging research. 



e. Collect data to improve understanding of micro-scale fluid and sand 

 motion (time-dependent motion and spatial scales of ripples and the 

 wave boundary layer). 



The strength of the SUPERTANK project was integration of a wide range of 

 instrumentation and expertise to achieve these objectives, resulting in extraor- 

 dinarily comprehensive coverage of fluid and sediment motion along the 

 channel. 



Project design and coordination were the responsibility of a seven-person 

 steering committee, whose members were also among the principal investiga- 

 tors. The steering committee developed initial project goals to meet research 

 needs of CERC and served as facilitators for the large investigative group in 

 arranging for resources for all investigators and promoting communication. 

 The steering committee was comprised of the authors of this chapter, with the 

 first author as chairperson; Dr. William Dally (Florida Institute of Technolo- 

 gy); Dr. David Kriebel (U.S. Naval Academy); Dr. William McDougal 

 (OSU); and Dr. Charles Sollitt (OSU), who also represented the WRL as its 

 director. Other principal investigators were: Dr. Yogesh Agrawal (North- 

 west Research Associates, Inc.), Dr. Reginald Beach (OSU), Dr. Keith Bed- 

 ford (The Ohio State University), Drs. John Fisher and Margery Overton 

 (North Carolina State University), Dr. Daniel Hanes (University of Florida), 

 Dr. Robert Holman (OSU), Dr. Paul Komar (OSU), Dr. Susumu Kubota 

 (Nihon University, Japan), Mr. Atle Lohrmann (RD Flow, Inc.), Ms. Cheryl 

 Pollock (CERC), and Dr. Edward Thornton (Naval Postgraduate School). 



The steering committee, formed of CERC and non-CERC members, ini- 

 tially divided its efforts in three subject areas: (a) hydrodynamics, (b) sedi- 

 ment transport, and (c) beach profile change. Four investigator meetings were 

 held to plan test series and coordinate instrumentation sharing, availability of 

 support personnel, synchronization of data collection, and other practical 

 matters. 



During the course of periodic planning meetings the principal investigators 

 found it convenient to form three operational groups, as follows: 



a. Total-channel hydrodynamics and sediment transport. 



b. Foreshore and beach profile change, including swash zone hydrody- 

 namics. 



Chapter 1 Introduction to SUPERTANK 



