Unit 2 - Long Island South Shore Flashcards
What is the main focus of the case study on Long Island’s South Shore?
coastal dynamics, erosion, vulnerability to storms, and management of the coastline.
What determines the susceptibility of a bluff to erosion?
The slope, shape, and vegetation covering coastal bluffs
What mainly determines the size morphology of coastal dunes?
controlling winds, sediment supply, and geomorphology of adjacent nearshore and beach.
What is longshore littoral drift?
movement of sand along the surf zone
What role do jetties play in coastal management?
control inlet migration and minimize sediment deposition within the inlet; cause shoal formation
What is the purpose of groins in coastal management?
maintain updrift beaches and restrict longshore sediment transport.
What types of ecosystems are mentioned behind healthy coastal dunes?
Healthy coastal dunes are supported by healthy estuarine and marsh ecosystems.
What happens to sand during storm waves?
Storm waves can erode sand from dunes and transport it offshore.
What are some secondary dunes?
Blowouts, parabolic dunes, and transgressive dunes
What is sediment supply important for?
shoreline maintenance
How do native grasses benefit coastal dune systems?
bind loose sand grains, creating low-profile dunes that absorb storm wave energy.
What are some vulnerabilities of the coastline to storms?
Coastal erosion, flooding, breach formation, and destruction of management infrastructure
What happens to a degraded coastal dune?
wetlands and estuaries filled in and urbanized, pines create artificially steep dunes, storm waves slam against steep dunes, and waves move eroded sand offshore
How does the size of a dune indicate its age?
Bigger dunes = older
Why are inlets considered important in coastal management?
Stabilized inlets help manage longshore sand transport and prevent sediment deposition within the inlet.
What is the impact of human activity on coastal processes?
Human activities can alter and disrupt natural sediment transport processes.
What is the relationship between sand supply and beach health?
Adequate sand supply is essential for maintaining healthy beaches and mitigating erosion impacts.
What does the term ‘breach’ refer to in the coastal context?
a gap or opening created in a coastal barrier, often due to storm impacts.
How can coastal breaches impact water quality?
Breaches can enhance water quality by flushing polluted bay water with fresh ocean water.
What major factors contribute to the dynamic nature of Long Island’s South Shore?
Wave energy, sand supply, sea-level changes, and human activity
How do shrubs and trees affect dune formation?
Shrubs and trees create wind lift, which can help transport sand and form dunes.
What are the long-term effects of hurricanes on coastal systems?
erosion, alteration of ecosystems, and changes in sand distribution.
What is the role of sediment supply in the context of bluff erosion?
adequate sediment supply helps replenish lost materials.
How do beaches remain dynamic along the shore?
Beaches are influenced by morphodynamically dynamic processes such as currents and wave action.
