Barrier Island Ecology

1
Barrier Island Ecology

• Preface to our trip to Sandy Hook

2
(No Transcript)
3
View of Sandy Hook from Twin Lights Museum,
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
4
What forces shape the Island?

• Longshore currents run northward along beach,
  moving sand towards the tip
• Groins, or stone jetties, were put in place to
  slow the transport of sand.
• On the bay side, small islands appear and
  disappear over time (Plum Island). These contain
  tidal creeks and act as important nurseries for
  young organisms.

5
Changes to the island over time
6
(No Transcript)
7
A sand replenishment project at Sea Bright, NJ,
just south of Sandy Hook. Note the lack of sand
along the sea wall to the south.
8
Tidal creek draining Plum Island at Sandy Hook.
This is near Horseshoe Cove.
9
Coastal erosion on the Bay side of the Hook.
This is an old bunker. The old sea wall remains
as the posts, circa 1910.
10
Issue to discuss

• Millions of dollars have been spent (many times)
  to preserve the sand along the beach.
• The sand is often removed during one storm or
  several.