Sustainability of Current and Future Shoreline Solutions Under Rising Sea Level Scenarios: Field, Laboratory, Numerical Model, and Educational Outreach Data

Dataset extent

Abstract

This project addressed two research questions: (1) What is the extent of shoreline hardening and its implications for ecosystem services throughout Mobile Bay tributaries? and (2) How can private-property-scale shoreline conservation and restoration projects be designed to maximize shoreline resilience and habitat sustainability now and under future climate scenarios? A multidisciplinary team of engineers, ecologists, and extension professionals pursued three objectives: (1) measure hydrodynamic conditions and classify the physical attributes of shorelines in small bays and coastal Alabama rivers (Weeks Bay, Fish River, Bon Secour River, Magnolia River, Dog River, and Fowl River); (2) design and model the effects of alternative shoreline management options – natural, hardened, and living shorelines – on nearshore and adjacent private-property-owner-scales using physical wave-basin testing and numerical morphodynamic modeling; and (3) transfer learned information to end-users through undergraduate lesson plans, workshops, and tiered outreach materials (postcards, brochures, a design guide). The datasets produced include shoreline surveys and classifications, wave gauge records, laboratory wave-basin experiment data (pre/post-test lidar scans, wave gauge data, photo/video documentation), XBeach model input and output files, and formal/informal educational products.

Purpose

To document and make available the field survey data, physical and numerical data (wave-basin testing and XBeach modeling), and educational products generated under ALCOE Award #MESC-ALCOE-04, so that the comparative performance of natural, hardened, and living-shoreline management options can be independently reviewed, reused, or built upon by other researchers, coastal managers, and extension practitioners.

Resource #1 Wave Guage Data: These wave data were collected to use as inputs for the XBeach model to predict how the shoreline will react in various sea level scenarios.

Resource #2 Elevation Transect Data: These elevation transects were collected to create a model shoreline for a simulation testing various shoreline management techniques.

Resource #3 Aerial Imagery: These aerial images were collected to characterize the shoreline types of AL waterbodies.

Resource #4 Laboratory Wave Basin Data: Physical laboratory tests were performed in a wave basin at the University of South Alabama to understand the impacts of natural, hardened, and living-shoreline management options on immediate and adjacent properties from boat wake using wave bursts. These data were also used as inputs to a morphodynamic numerical model and aided in calibrating the model setup.

Resource #5 XBeach Numerical Modeling Data: The process-based numerical model, XBeach, was used to further understand the impacts of natural, hardened, and living-shoreline management options on immediate and adjacent properties to a 25-year return period storm.

Resource #6 Outreach Materials: Outreach materials were developed to raise awareness, educate, and empower private-property owners on living shoreline management options. The three-tiered outreach campaign included a postcard, brochure, and living shoreline guide.

Resource #7 Formal Education Materials: Teaching materials were developed for a multi-disciplinary college-level course to engage students with the methods employed by this project and increase understanding of living shoreline management options.

DOI: 10.57778/ek44-xz23

Suggested Citation

Patch, S., Sparks, E., Wofford-Mares, S., & Robbins, A. (2026). Sustainability of Current and Future Shoreline Solutions Under Rising Sea Level Scenarios: Field, Laboratory, Numerical Model, and Educational Outreach Data [Dataset]. Dauphin Island Sea Lab. https://doi.org/10.57778/EK44-XZ23

Related Publication Citation

  • Jacobs, Tyler L., “Physical Modeling to Evaluate Private-property Scale Shoreline Management Solutions” (2024). M.S. Thesis, University of South Alabama.
  • Vollmuth, Nikolas J., “Adaptable Shoreline Management Options to Protect a Sandy Shoreline in a Sheltered Bay” (2025). M.S. Thesis, University of South Alabama.

Attribution

This project was paid for [in part] with federal funding for the Alabama Center of Excellence from the Department of the Treasury under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act) in cooperation with the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources under the Alabama Center of Excellence Program at the MESC/Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Author Stephanie Patch <https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5144-7484>
Maintainer data@disl.edu
Version 0.1
Last Updated August 13, 2026, 19:47 (UTC)
Created July 31, 2026, 21:19 (UTC)
ISO.author.1 Eric L. Sparks <eric.sparks@msstate.edu> <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1102-2478>
ISO.author.2 Sarah J. Wofford <swoffordmares@pc.fsu.edu> <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1590-0154>
spatial { "type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [ [ [-88.12, 30.62], [-88.12, 30.28], [-87.75, 30.28], [-87.75, 30.62], [-88.12, 30.62] ] ] }