Modern Water and Sediment Transport Patterns in Alluvial Ridge Basins of the Rio Grande Delta, South Texas, USA

Author

Waqid Nabi, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences

First Advisor

Tian Y. Dong

Second Advisor

Juan L. Gonzalez

Third Advisor

Jude A. Benavides

Abstract

Alluvial ridge (AR) basins are shallow, marine-influenced depressions within river deltas, yet their flow and sediment dynamics remain poorly understood. This study examines hydrodynamics and sediment transport patterns in the Bahia Grande Complex, which are AR basins of the Rio Grande Delta, using tilt current meters, water-level and turbidity loggers, and suspended and bed-sediment sampling. The AR basins function as wind-dominated, microtidal environments, where pre-existing basin geometry and hydrodynamic forcings control water flow and sediment distribution patterns. Seasonal wind patterns and storms modulate water levels and flow connectivity. Substrate patterns reflect frequent resuspension in the shallow northern basin, maintaining coarse textures. In contrast, deeper southern areas accumulate fine clay, indicating that modern sediment supply is dominated by very fine material. These findings provide a process-based framework for sediment routing, restoration design, and long-term geomorphic stability in wind-dominated basins of the Rio Grande Delta.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Waqid Nabi. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3292619899

Recommended Citation

Nabi, W. (2025). Modern Water and Sediment Transport Patterns in Alluvial Ridge Basins of the Rio Grande Delta, South Texas, USA [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1842