An illustration of a beach complex showing an "inundation regime" where water levels exceed the beach complex and dune crest

An illustration of a beach complex showing an "inundation regime" where water levels exceed the beach complex and dune crest. An inundation regime describes the frequency, duration, and depth of tidal or storm-induced flooding in a given location. Water is pushed onto adjacent land and communities behind the dune. Sand is transported landward an order of magnitude farther than typical overwash of the overwash regime. Impacts can include long-term environmental damage, habitat loss, water/sewage contamination, and a long economic recovery time for tourism and fishing industries.