Modeling Sediment Transport Pathways and Geomorphological Response of Shoreline at Point Pelee National Park

Point Pelee (PP) is a 50 (km)^2 cuspate foreland, located on the north shore of Lake Erie. The southern 15 (km)^2 of the foreland is part of Point Pelee National Park (PPNP) that has a unique Carolinian Forest, marsh, red cedar savannah, and beach – dune habitat that is critical for migratory birds along the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways and several species at risk (SAR). PPNP has experienced accelerated coastal erosion and loss of habitat over the last several decades, making it is essential to determine the longer-term sustainability of this eco-system. Following human development in the region, there has been a progressive sediment deficit in the park. To improve future management strategies, the purpose of this study is to model the sediment transport pathways around PPNP and determine how these pathways may be modified by anthropogenic impacts and future climate and water level scenarios. A sediment transport model will be developed across the littoral cells by using DHI-MIKE modeling package. The model will be extended by considering climate change scenarios. This preliminary model will be used to inform the development of management strategies aimed at mitigating coastal erosion by accounting for proposed solutions and climate change projections.