Evolution of Popponesset Beach and Its Effects on Popponesset Bay
Abstract
Popponesset Beach is an approximately 1 -mile-long barrier beach (or spit) fronting Popponesset Bay located on Nantucket Sound in Mashpee, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Popponesset Spit has experienced dramatic changes in the last 40 years, beginning with a major breach in 1954, which resulted from a series of hurricanes (Carol, Edna, and Hazel). Breaches near Popponesset Island, Little Thatch Island, and Big Thatch Island were observed at various times between 1892 and 1991. The main purpose of the study was to determine the likelihood of a breach of Popponesset Spit and the impact (in terms of water quality, storm protection, and navigation) of breaching and/or slow degradation of the spit on Popponesset Bay. A review of historical information pertaining to the evolution of Popponesset Spit and an analytical/empirical 'desktop' analysis were performed. Breach, Popponesset, Cape cod, Spit, Mashpee, Storm protection. Massachusetts,
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA272905
Entities
People
- Mary A. Cialone
Organizations
- Coastal Engineering Research Center