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 are some natural morphological features of Long Island’s coastline?

Answer 2

5 barrier islands, 2 barrier spits, and headlands.

Question 3

What determines the susceptibility of a bluff to erosion?

Answer 3

The slope, shape, and vegetation covering coastal bluffs

Question 4

What mainly determines the size morphology of coastal dunes?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What is longshore littoral drift?

Answer 5

movement of sand along the surf zone

Question 6

What role do jetties play in coastal management?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is the purpose of groins in coastal management?

Answer 7

maintain updrift beaches and restrict longshore sediment transport.

Question 8

What is the significance of barrier islands around the world?

Answer 8

Barrier islands provide protection for 10 percent of coastlines worldwide.

Question 9

What types of ecosystems are mentioned behind healthy coastal dunes?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What happens to sand during storm waves?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

What are some secondary dunes?

Answer 11

Blowouts, parabolic dunes, and transgressive dunes

Question 12

What is sediment supply important for?

Answer 12

shoreline maintenance

Question 13

How do native grasses benefit coastal dune systems?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What are some vulnerabilities of the coastline to storms?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What happens to a degraded coastal dune?

Answer 15

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 16

How does the size of a dune indicate its age?

Answer 16

Bigger dunes = older

Question 17

Why are inlets considered important in coastal management?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What is the impact of human activity on coastal processes?

Answer 18

Human activities can alter and disrupt natural sediment transport processes.

Question 19

What is the relationship between sand supply and beach health?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

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

Answer 20

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

Question 21

How can coastal breaches impact water quality?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

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

Answer 22

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

Question 23

How do shrubs and trees affect dune formation?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

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

Answer 24

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

Question 25

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

Answer 25

adequate sediment supply helps replenish lost materials.

Question 26

How do beaches remain dynamic along the shore?

Answer 26

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

Question 27

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

Answer 27

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

Question 28

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

Answer 28

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

Question 29

What do coastal bluffs generally consist of?

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Why are healthy coastal systems crucial?

Answer 30

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

Question 31

What type of management practices can help mitigate storm impact?

Answer 31

Building healthy coastal dunes and reinforcing natural systems

Question 32

How are coastal systems depicted in the context of infrastructure?

Answer 32

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

Question 33

How has the perspective on coastal breach development been contentious?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Where are jetties located?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

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

Answer 35

Spits and barrier islands grow in that direction