Coastal Circulation and Sediment Dynamics Along West Maui, Hawaii

Measurements were made through the emplacement of a series of bottom-mounted instruments in water depths less than 11 m. The studies were conducted in support of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Coastal and Marine Geology Program's Coral Reef Project.

The purpose of these measurements was to collect hydrographic data to better constrain the variability in currents and water column properties such as water temperature, salinity and turbidity in the vicinity of nearshore coral reef systems over the course of a summer and early fall when coral larvae spawn. These measurements support the ongoing process studies being conducted under the Coral Reef Project; the ultimate goal is to better understand the transport mechanisms of sediment, larvae, pollutants and other particles in coral reef settings.