ABsTxAcl' OF m TIIESIS 
A Spatial Analysis of Shoreline Erosion. 
Delauare Bey, New JeYoay 
by JONATHAN D. PHULIPS. Ph.D. 
Msaertation Mrector: Dr. Karl F. Nordstrom 


A study vas conducted on the IkLaware Bey shore to desedne the spatial varierion and geomrphic controls of erosion. Erosion rates were determined from aerial photographs at 100-meter (ground distance) intervals. Shoreline recession rates were highly variable, with a mean of 3.21 m/yr. A general long-range gradient of erosion related to bay width and shape was identified, as well as significant relationships between erosion and shoreline types. Spatial analysis shows that these broad trends are obscured by local variability. Geostatistical analysis show extreme variability of erosion rates: nearby sites often differ by more than a meter par yser, and sites more than 100 m apart by nearly tw m/yr. Recession rates are statistically independent beyond 3,000 la. The series of erosion measurements describes r curve with a fractal dimension of 1.91, indicating that regional trends are obscured by Local variations. 

The spatial pettam implies that the complex shoreline configuration introduces local variations in exposure which are more important than bay widrh and shape in defining differences in exposure. It also suggests that within-class differences in erosion resistance are more important than differences between shoreline type classifications. 

ce to be allocated among four spatial kales .&e (nppcr.. mid. and,lo= bay) +$&.:ate, scale ,apart), with tvo btemmdiate looels. Data 4ncPuded 27 

did the relaSLoiwhip between shoreline crenulations a collrplsr alongahor; pattern .of erpoeure. Morpho1,ogy was found to at local asales, suggesting that these variations are associated with coltplau patterns of differential erosion msceptibFZity over areas. 

Results Imply that traditional gaolnorphic claaeifications based on similarities of geologic and geographic setting. composition. mrpbology, and veaetation ham limited relevance Lor studying geographic patterns of estuarbe shoreline erosion, Differences 

afhinrueh classifications may be greater than betveen ~dficationa. The study illustrates the complexity of coastal l&.fapes. Principles for coping with this complexity are given.