Vulnerability of National Park Service beaches to inundation during a direct hurricane landfall: Fire Island National Seashore
January 1, 2007
Waves and storm surge associated with strong tropical storms are part of the natural process of barrier-island evolution and can cause extensive morphologic changes in coastal parks, leading to reduced visitor accessibility and enjoyment. Even at Fire Island National Seashore, a barrier-island coastal park in New York where extratropical storms (northeasters) dominate storm activity, the beaches are vulnerable to the powerful, sand-moving forces of hurricanes. The vulnerability of park beaches to inundation, and associated extreme coastal change, during a direct hurricane landfall can be assessed by comparing the elevations of storm-induced mean-water levels (storm surge) to the elevations of the crest of the sand dune that defines the beach system. Maps detailing the inundation potential for Category 1-4 hurricanes can be used by park managers to determine the relative vulnerability of various barrier-island parks and to assess which areas of a particular park are more susceptible to inundation and extreme coastal changes.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2007 |
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Title | Vulnerability of National Park Service beaches to inundation during a direct hurricane landfall: Fire Island National Seashore |
DOI | 10.3133/ofr20071389 |
Authors | Hilary F. Stockdon, David M. Thompson |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Open-File Report |
Series Number | 2007-1389 |
Index ID | ofr20071389 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Florida Integrated Science Center - St. Petersburg |