Beach Changes at Jones Beach, Long Island, New York, 1962-1974.

Beach profile data obtained from surveys of 18 profile lines on Jones Beach are analyzed. Replicate measurements of vertical beach profiles were made between October 1962 and June 1974 by the US Army Engineer District, New York. Survey sheets and topographic maps marked with profile line locations were prepared. Elevations above mean sea level for each profile survey were determined. From these data, changes in beach elevation, sand volume, and shoreline position resulting from the wave regime, water level, and storm events that occurred during the period of the surveys are evaluated. In addition, previous work in the area is reviewed to examine long-term trends in waves, winds, and tides and to develop a framework in which to interpret beach changes. Variability in the shape of the beach was evaluated with standard methods used at CERC as well as empirical eigenfunction techniques. Notable were changes in beach evaluation, slope, volume, and mean sea level intercept resulting from particular storms. Evaluations were made for a long-term changes that occur over a typical 3-month period and c short-term changes resulting from specific storms or wind stress events between surveys.