Unit 2 - Long Island South Shore

Question 1

What is the main focus of the case study on Long Island’s South Shore?

Answer 1

coastal dynamics, erosion, vulnerability to storms, and management of the coastline.

Question 2

What determines the susceptibility of a bluff to erosion?

Answer 2

The slope, shape, and vegetation covering coastal bluffs

Question 3

What mainly determines the size morphology of coastal dunes?

Answer 3

controlling winds, sediment supply, and geomorphology of adjacent nearshore and beach.

Question 4

What is longshore littoral drift?

Answer 4

movement of sand along the surf zone

Question 5

What role do jetties play in coastal management?

Answer 5

control inlet migration and minimize sediment deposition within the inlet; cause shoal formation

Question 6

What is the purpose of groins in coastal management?

Answer 6

maintain updrift beaches and restrict longshore sediment transport.

Question 7

What types of ecosystems are mentioned behind healthy coastal dunes?

Answer 7

Healthy coastal dunes are supported by healthy estuarine and marsh ecosystems.

Question 8

What happens to sand during storm waves?

Answer 8

Storm waves can erode sand from dunes and transport it offshore.

Question 9

What are some secondary dunes?

Answer 9

Blowouts, parabolic dunes, and transgressive dunes

Question 10

What is sediment supply important for?

Answer 10

shoreline maintenance

Question 11

How do native grasses benefit coastal dune systems?

Answer 11

bind loose sand grains, creating low-profile dunes that absorb storm wave energy.

Question 12

What are some vulnerabilities of the coastline to storms?

Answer 12

Coastal erosion, flooding, breach formation, and destruction of management infrastructure

Question 13

What happens to a degraded coastal dune?

Answer 13

wetlands and estuaries filled in and urbanized, pines create artificially steep dunes, storm waves slam against steep dunes, and waves move eroded sand offshore

Question 14

How does the size of a dune indicate its age?

Answer 14

Bigger dunes = older

Question 15

Why are inlets considered important in coastal management?

Answer 15

Stabilized inlets help manage longshore sand transport and prevent sediment deposition within the inlet.

Question 16

What is the impact of human activity on coastal processes?

Answer 16

Human activities can alter and disrupt natural sediment transport processes.

Question 17

What is the relationship between sand supply and beach health?

Answer 17

Adequate sand supply is essential for maintaining healthy beaches and mitigating erosion impacts.

Question 18

What does the term ‘breach’ refer to in the coastal context?

Answer 18

a gap or opening created in a coastal barrier, often due to storm impacts.

Question 19

How can coastal breaches impact water quality?

Answer 19

Breaches can enhance water quality by flushing polluted bay water with fresh ocean water.

Question 20

What major factors contribute to the dynamic nature of Long Island’s South Shore?

Answer 20

Wave energy, sand supply, sea-level changes, and human activity

Question 21

How do shrubs and trees affect dune formation?

Answer 21

Shrubs and trees create wind lift, which can help transport sand and form dunes.

Question 22

What are the long-term effects of hurricanes on coastal systems?

Answer 22

erosion, alteration of ecosystems, and changes in sand distribution.

Question 23

What is the role of sediment supply in the context of bluff erosion?

Answer 23

adequate sediment supply helps replenish lost materials.

Question 24

How do beaches remain dynamic along the shore?

Answer 24

Beaches are influenced by morphodynamically dynamic processes such as currents and wave action.

Question 25

What long-term management strategies are necessary for coastal systems?

Answer 25

Active management is needed to cope with natural dynamics and human pressures on coastal infrastructure.

Question 26

How deep can some coastal dunes be in terms of sediment layers?

Answer 26

Coastal dunes may accumulate sediment layers that take decades to form and grow.

Question 27

What do coastal bluffs generally consist of?

Answer 27

Coastal bluffs are typically composed of loose materials like clay, sand, and gravel.

Question 28

Why are healthy coastal systems crucial?

Answer 28

Healthy coastal systems are essential for ecological balance and protection against storm impacts.

Question 29

What type of management practices can help mitigate storm impact?

Answer 29

Building healthy coastal dunes and reinforcing natural systems

Question 30

How are coastal systems depicted in the context of infrastructure?

Answer 30

Coastal systems are dynamic, often requiring infrastructure adjustments for effective management amid varying conditions.

Question 31

How has the perspective on coastal breach development been contentious?

Answer 31

Some residents are worried an open breach can alter the risk of flooding and impact communities and infrastructure

Question 32

Where are jetties located?

Answer 32

Jetties are shore perependicular and are placed adjacent to tidal inlets and harbors

Question 33

Why is it important that sediment transport moves west on the Long Island South Shore?

Answer 33

Spits and barrier islands grow in that direction