Key Projects

Saco River and Camp Ellis Beach Section 111 Project, Saco, ME, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Project Manager/Coastal Engineer.
Managed, coordinated, and conducted a comprehensive field data collection and numerical modeling scope of work for the Saco River and Saco Bay region. The field data collection effort consisted of a 2.5 month wave, current, and tidal observation deployment using two strategically located wave Acoustic Depth Current Profiler (ADCP) systems, a high resolution near shore bathymetric survey, and a ADCP current survey of the river hydrodynamics. The coastal monitoring data set is being utilized to calibrate and verify a series of state-of-the-art wave models ranging from generation scale (Atlantic Ocean), through transformation scale (regional), down to the local and near field scales. The advanced modeling effort includes spectrally based wind-generation (WAVAD), transformation (STWAVE and CGWAVE), and Boussinesq (MIKE 21BW) wave models. Model output is being used in sediment transport modeling on both a regional and local scale. The calibrated models are being used to assess a wide range of shore protection alternatives aimed at mitigating the erosion caused by federally maintained coastal structures. The project involves a high level of coordination between regulatory agencies, the federal government, State of Maine senators, US army Corps of Engineers, Town officials, and the local community.

Nonquitt Salt Marsh Restoration, South Dartmouth, MA, EA Engineering - Project Manager.
Managed and performed a numerical circulation model directed at the restoration of the Nonquitt Salt marsh system. The project consisted of implementation of a field data collection program, development and calibration of a numerical circulation model (RMA-2), and the application of the calibrated model to determine the potential impact of design changes aimed at improving circulation. Working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the purpose of the study is to assess the effects of anthropogenic effects on the marsh ecosystem.

Peer Review of the Florida Bay Hydrodynamic and Salinity Model, Florida, South Florida Water Management District - Coastal Engineer.
Served as an expert peer reviewer of the hydrodynamic modeling effort for the Florida Bay and Florida Keys Feasibility Study. The model is required to simulate circulation, salinity stratification and distribution, and water quality behavior in the Florida Bay and Reef Tract utilizing a standardized set of field data. Offered expert opinions based on knowledge, expertise, and practical experience in conducting, analyzing, and applying similar hydrodynamic modeling strategies. The peer review included assessment of the grid methods and optimization techniques to determine spatial density, scale, and distribution, the adequacy of calibration and verification, and the quality and extent of the input data and model parameters.

Beach Nourishment and Inlet Stabilization at Sandwich Town Beaches and Dredging the East End of the Cape Cod Canal, Sandwich, MA, Town of Sandwich - Project Manager/Coastal Engineer.
Managed and performed comprehensive beach management plan for all Town of Sandwich beaches, including evaluation of the physical processes governing sediment transport, alternatives analysis for shore protection measures and inlet stabilization, and appropriate beach maintenance and usage. The project consisted of numerical modeling of alternatives and final design for establishing a long-term beach/dune restoration plan, as well as relocation and design of a jettied tidal inlet. Required excellent communication and close coordination with numerous agencies, local officials, sub-contractors, and multiple clients. The regulatory process is currently underway.

Characterization Study of Delaware River Detritus, Hancock's Bridge, N.J., PSE&G, - Project Manager.
Conducted an assessment of the ability of hydroacoustic technology to detect detrital material throughout the water column. Never utilized for this specific application, use of the innovative technology saved the client from other costly alternatives. Phase I of the study consisted of controlled laboratory testing in an enclosed basin and was performed with samples taken from the Delaware Bay Estuary. The results indicated that hydroacoustic technology could be utilized for identifying detritus within the Delaware Bay Estuary. Phase II of the study consisted of implementation of the hydroacoustic technology in the Delaware Bay Estuary. Field sampling also included Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements, net captures, Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) casts, and Optical Backscatter Sensor (OBS) profiles. Responsible for project management, analysis and interpretation of the acoustic return signals, and reporting. Biomass estimates were determined from the measured currents and captured detrital material and compared to the integrated hydroacoustic signal. Future phases consist of detailed field measurements, 3-dimensional detrital transport modeling, and evaluation of mitigation oriented engineered solutions and management strategies.

3 Related Studies:
a) Environmental Studies Relative to Potential Sand Mining on the Continental Shelf for Beach Replenishment, Offshore Alabama, Alabama, U.S. Mineral Management Service.
b) Environmental Survey of Potential Sand Resource Sites: Offshore New Jersey, NJ, U.S. Mineral Management Service.
c) Collection of Environmental Data within Sand Resource Areas Offshore North Carolina and the Environmental Implications of Sand Removal for Coastal and Beach Restoration, North Carolina, U.S. Mineral Management Service - Coastal Engineer/Numerical Modeler.
The following is a description of projects a, b, and c:

Key member of a vast multi-disciplinary team conducting large-scale studies to address environmental issues raised by the potential dredging of sand from the inner continental shelf offshore New Jersey, Alabama, and North Carolina. Quantified the potential modifications to waves that cross within identified borrow areas due to offshore dredging. Determined the impacts of offshore dredging and subsequent beach nourishment on local and regional sediment transport patterns, coastal and nearshore sedimentary environments, and local shoreline processes. Performed state-of-the-art spectral wave modeling for assessing modifications to the wave field and input into nearshore circulation and offshore and nearshore sediment transport models. The results of the ongoing studies will enable Minerals Management Service to monitor Key Projects (continued) and assess the potential impacts of offshore dredging activities and to identify ways in which dredging operations can be conducted to minimize or preclude long-term adverse impacts to the environment.

Numerical Modeling of Storm Surge Induced Hydrodynamics and Pollutant Transport,
New Bedford, MA, Confidential Client - Project Manager/Coastal Engineer.
Simulated the hydrodynamics and resulting pollutant transport due to the effects of a historical hurricane in the New Bedford Harbor Region, including the immense flooding of the upland due to the accompanying storm surge, and the release and transport of chemicals from a confidential entity. Through numerical modeling of this complex phenomena, hydrodynamic results, coupled with pollutant input data, pollutant mass rate, duration of release, and time of release, pollutants were released from a single specific area to quantify the transport pathways and concentrations due to the storm surge caused by the hurricane. This project also requires expert testimony and technical analysis of wave energy, breaking, set-up, diffusivity, and mixing.

Thermal Modeling Analysis for Proposed Cooling Plant on Lake Waban, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. - Project Manager.
Performed thermal and analytical modeling of design alternatives for a proposed cooling water discharge plant on Lake Waban in Wellesley, MA. Two methods of analysis (analytical and computer model) were used to determine the mixing of temperature concentration, and the ability of the Lake to receive the discharged waters under peak demand (representing a worst-case scenario under August conditions). The purpose of this analysis was to simulate the mixing and dilution of the discharge waters with the ambient water of Lake Waban under worst-case conditions, discuss the results of the modeling effort, and provide recommendations related to potential design modifications. The project is currently in the permitting phases.

Observations of Ocean Wave, Tide, and Current Processes Offshore of Little Bay, Montserrat, Montserrat, U.K., Mouchel Consulting, Ltd. - Project Manager/Coastal Engineer/Field Data Collection.
Installation and monitoring of a real-time data acquisition system connected via a cable link to the shoreline in Little Bay, Island of Montserrat. Ocean wave, tide, and current data were collected and analyzed. Responsible for QA/QC of collected data. Observations from the one-year deployment will be utilized to develop and design a new harbor on the Island.

Hydrodynamic Modeling and Sediment Transport Analysis During Temporary Tunnel Storage in Fort Point Channel, Boston, MA, Gannett Fleming, Inc. - Coastal Engineer/Project Manager.
Conducted a hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling study of Fort Point Channel, MA to determine the impact caused by temporary storage of floating tunnel sections on existing conditions and industrial water usage. Completed technical report presenting the hydrodynamic and potential sediment transport results, which was utilized to assist in engineering methodology and design.

San Francisco Airport Expansion Project, San Francisco, CA, URS Corp. - Coastal Engineer.
Served as a Team Engineer working on the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Statement (EIR/EIS) for the San Francisco Airport Expansion Project. WHG has deployed a suite of Sediment Transport Monitoring Systems (STMS) to collect seasonal current, wave, and suspended sediment concentration measurements in each of the Bay's characteristic environments. Responsible for analysis and interpretation of hydrodynamic and sediment dynamic measurements, estimation of sediment flux, modeling of sediment transport, and report generation.

Physical Sampling and Sediment Transport Analysis at Weymouth Neck, Weymouth, MA, Massachusetts DEP - Project Manager/Coastal Engineer.
In this region, concerns have been raised that the metals (arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc) found in upland areas may have migrated into the sub-tidal area surrounding the peninsula. As a precursor to the chemical sampling, developed an analytical sediment transport model that was geared towards assisting in defining appropriate areas to perform sub-tidal chemical sampling. The model required a field investigation in order to determine the physical characteristics of the sub-tidal sediment within the Weymouth Neck region (including Upper Neck Cove, Lower Neck Cove, and Weymouth Back River), as well as generation of local physical processes (winds, waves, tides, and currents) in the vicinity of Weymouth Neck Peninsula. The analytical model was used to identify areas of erosion and deposition in the sub-tidal regions surrounding the peninsula. The results of the model are used as a tool to assess, justify, and bound the chemical sampling locations around the peninsula.

Analysis and Design of Revetment Structures at Hingham Shipyard, Hingham, MA, Sea Chain, L.L.C. - Coastal Engineer.
Completed a fast-track study and design of revetment structures at Hingham Shipyard on Weymouth Back River. The study focused on analyzing the relevant coastal processes, and optimizing the design to gain the most upland area, while minimizing adverse impacts to the nearby salt marsh and other nearshore wetland resource areas. Analysis for the design included wave modeling, storm surge analysis, extremal analysis, wave reflection analysis, wave runup and overtopping analysis, revetment design and stone sizing, and sediment transport analysis.

Evaluation of the Great Creek Outlet Structure, Milford, CT., Fuss & O'Neill, Inc. - Project Manager/Coastal Engineer.
In an ongoing project, provided coastal processes analysis, analytical modeling, outlet structure assessment, and design support services for evaluating the impact of an outlet structure on downdrift erosion. Engineering alternatives are being evaluated through sediment transport analytical modeling to determine potential mitigation measures. Wave transformation modeling and sediment transport modeling are focused to assess the parameters of the outlet structure (e.g., height, length, culvert depth, etc.) and provide design guidance for corrective action and potential nourishment.

Power Plant Effluent Mixing Zone, FL, Confidential Client - Coastal Engineer.
Project Engineer involved in the investigation of the discharge from a once-through cooling system at a coastal power plant. The cooling water effluent at this station was found to have seasonally low dissolved oxygen. Woods Hole Group's investigation sought to identify the source of the dissolved oxygen depression, investigate regulatory issues, and to examine potential technologies for increasing effluent dissolved oxygen. Specifically, performed numerical particle tracking simulations in order to identify water pathways to the intakes. Additionally, a review of existing data and previous work was conducted. This revealed that the seasonally low dissolved oxygen was a widespread phenomenon in ambient waters. Because the station was not responsible for the overall dissolved oxygen depression, a mixing zone was identified as a potential regulatory solution to any minor impacts from the discharge. Engineering alternatives to raise the effluent's oxygen content were also investigated.

Particle Tracking Analysis and Improvements to the Near-Field Boundary Condition, Hancock's Bridge, NJ, Public Service Electric and Gas Company - Coastal Engineer.
Completed a numerically driven particle tracking study for the Delaware Bay and estuary system to identify detrimental sources of detritus within the system. The particle tracking model, utilized in concert with a validated hydrodynamic model, was utilized to statistically evaluate near- and far-field impacts to a cooling water intake. Recommendations were provided to improve management and recycling practices, as well as provide future steps for numerical modeling of appropriate engineered solutions, which would result in safer and more cost-effective operations.

Ocean Currents Offshore Eastern Trinidad, Trinidad, Amoco Production Company - Coastal Engineer.
Developed and performed in-depth data analysis of ocean conditions off the eastern coast of Trinidad based on data collected during recent measurement programs in the area. Observations were utilized to investigate coastal ocean processes active at the site and extrapolate the observations to predict future extremal and operational conditions. Conducted a detailed literature review, assessed the structure and variability of the observed currents, separated the current into specific process components using advanced numerical analysis techniques, formulated an extremal value analysis, and completed technical writing of a final report. Results of the study provided recommendations for design criteria and operational procedures.

Historical Shoreline Change Analysis: Western Town Line to Horton Point, Southold, NY, Town of Southold - Coastal Engineer.
Conducted an assessment of the history of storm activity in Long Island Sound. Wind and tide records were analyzed and Generalized Extremal Value (GEV) calculations were completed to determine the historical behavior and return periods of major storm events. Results of the analysis were correlated to historical shoreline change and incorporated to determine the rate and extent of erosion and accretion along the Southold coastline.

Tidal Current Characteristics of St. Lucie Inlet, St. Lucie, FL, Coastal Technologies Corporation - Coastal Engineer.
Performed data analysis of observations of tidal currents in the St. Lucie Inlet to map the temporal variation in the spatial structure of flow through several Inlet cross-sections. These high-resolution measurements of tidal current velocities were obtained using a vessel-mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) coupled with a GPS-based integrated navigation (IN) system. Results of the surveys show current energy focused in the deeper southern and center channels of the Inlet. The south channel was characterized as 'flood dominant', with stronger flood currents than ebb currents, which tend to transport sediments into the Inlet interior. The center channel was characterized as 'ebb dominant', with stronger ebb currents than flood currents, tending to move sediments out of the Inlet to form an ebb tide shoal. The geometry of the waterway, hard structures, and the alongshore coastal currents appeared to modify the spatial structure of the tidal currents through the Inlet cross section.

Hydrodynamic and Tidal Flushing Study of Pleasant Bay Estuary, Chatham, MA, The Pleasant Bay Steering Committee - Coastal Engineer.
Assisted Pleasant Bay Steering Committee with a study of tidal flushing for the Pleasant Bay system as part of the overall resource management plan for the estuary. The measurements and calculations performed provided information to evaluate the water quality of Pleasant Bay and several sub-embayments throughout the estuarine system. Collected tide and bathymetry data necessary to support hydrodynamic modeling and flushing analysis. Results of the study were incorporated into a water quality evaluation performed by the Cape Cod Commission.

Publications and Presentations

Bosma, K. and B. Caufield, “Integration of Multiple Wave Models from Generation Scale to Nearshore Scale. A Practical Application in Maine, USA,” 8th International Wave Hindcasting and Forecasting Workshop, Oahu, Hawaii, 2004.

Caufield, B.A., and K.F. Bosma, Use of a Large Scale Spectral Wave Generation Model to Define Input into a Nearshore Wave Transformation Model. 8th International Wave Hindcasting and Forecasting Workshop, Oahu, Hawaii, 2004.

Bosma, K.F. 2002. “Coastal Processes Evaluation in Development of a Long-Term Beach Management Plan, Sandwich, Massachusetts.” Proc. of Northeast Shore and Beach Preservation Association, Northeast Beaches: A Balancing Act, Woods Hole, MA.

Jachec, S.M. and Kirk F. Bosma. 2001. “Sediment Transport Related to Potential Sand Mining Offshore New Jersey.” Proc. of Waves 2001 Conference, San Francisco, CA.

DiMassa, D. and K.F. Bosma. 2000. “Hydroacoustic Measurement of Detritus from the Delaware Bay Estuary.” Proc. Of Oceans 2000 Conference, Providence, RI.

Wood, J.D., K.F. Bosma, and J.S.Ramsey. 1998. “Tidal Current Characteristics of St. Lucie Inlet.” Proc. 11th Annual National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology, Tallahassee, FL.

Bosma, K.F. 1997. “Beach Profile Analysis Along the Delaware Atlantic Coastline.” Master’s Thesis, University of Delaware, Newark, DE.

Bosma, K.F. and R. A. Dalrymple. 1996. “Beach Profile Analysis Around Indian River Inlet, Delaware, U.S.A.” Proc. 25th Intl. Coastal Engineering Conf., ASCE, Orlando, FL.

Chawla, A., Bosma, K.F., Gobbi, M., and M.N. Herrman. 1995. “Gravity Waves on a Gently Sloping Beach.” CACR, University of Delaware, Newark, DE.

Bosma, K.F. 1995. “Investigation of Delaware State Profiles.” CACR, University of Delaware, Newark, DE.