Principal component analysis applied to geomorphic evolution

• Published in: Estuarine, coastal and shelf science Vol. 44; no. 4; pp. 411 - 419
• Main Authors: Cuadrado, D G, Perillo, GME
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1997
• ISSN: 0272-7714

The El Toro channel within the entrance to Bahia Blanca harbour required periodic dredging to maintain its nominal depth of 10 m. Regular surveys were made to check navigation conditions and survey data gathered during a one year period, between dredging operations, were analysed by principal component analysis (PCA). The mean depth of the area was described by the first component and temporal morphological changes were described by the second component. From this information the accumulation periodicity was detected and hence when dredging would become necessary. Dynamics studies showed that the dredged channel alignment was not in equilibrium with flood currents. A large transverse flood current component was identified which, because of a helicoidal flow, was responsible for large sediment accumulation in the area.