Barrier Island Ecology

Preface to our trip to Sandy Hook

View of Sandy Hook from Twin Lights Museum, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

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.

Changes to the island over time

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.

Tidal creek draining Plum Island at Sandy Hook. This is near Horseshoe Cove.

Coastal erosion on the Bay side of the Hook. This is an old bunker. The old sea wall remains as the posts, circa 1910.

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.