Beach Changes at Westhampton Beach, New York, 1962-1973.
Abstract
Repetitive surveys of the above MSL beach were made along 20 profile lines at Westhampton Beach, on the south shore of Long Island, New York, from 1962 to 1973. After the study had begun, a large groin field (15 groins) with associated beach fill was constructed in the middle of the area being surveyed. The data show that shoreline erosion of 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 feet) per year within and updrift of the groin field was reversed after groin construction; shoreline erosion downdrift (west) of the groin field accelerated to at least 28 meters (96 feet) per year. Profile lines updrift (east) of the groin field accreted at a rate of 1.10 meters (3.6 feet) per year as measured at the MSL shoreline and showed an increase of 3.68 cubic meters per meter (1.47 cubic yards per foot) per year in sand stored on the beach above MSL. The shoreline within the groin field accreted at a rate of 3.45 meters (11.3 feet) per year and the beach unit volume increased at a rate of 11.92 cubic meters per meter (4.75 cubic yards per foot) per year, including beach fill. Downdrift of the groin field the profiles showed an average MSL shoreline gain of 0.66 meters (2.2 feet) per year and an average unit volume loss of 0.12 cubic meter per meter (0.05 cubic yard per foot) per year. The largest changes measured resulted from the storm of 22 March 1973, which eroded the shoreline an average of 20 meters (65.6 feet) and removed an average of 29 cubic meters per meter (11.6 cubic yards per foot) of beach front above the MSL elevation. Beach changes were found to be seasonal, with the least amount of sand above MSL from January to May.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA073605
Entities
People
- Allan E. Dewall
Organizations
- Coastal Engineering Research Center