Sandy to Erode Many Atlantic Beaches

[xchrom]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121027164036.htm

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Probabilities of collision, overwash, and inundation for Sandy. (Credit: Image courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey)

ScienceDaily (Oct. 27, 2012) — Nearly three quarters of the coast along the Delmarva Peninsula is very likely to experience beach and dune erosion as Hurricane Sandy makes landfall, while overwash is expected along nearly half of the shoreline.

The predictions of coastal change for the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia peninsula is part of a larger assessment of probable coastal change released by the U.S. Geological Survey Friday.

"Model forecasts are run anew for each hurricane, as each case has unique factors in terms of storm intensity, timing with respect to tides, angle of approach, and must account for ever-changing details of coastal dune configuration," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "These models help us understand where emergency management resources might be most needed."

Overwash, the landward movement of large volumes of sand from overtopped dunes, is forecasted for portions of the east coast with the projected landfall of the storm. The severity of overwash depends on the strength of the storm, the height of the dunes, and how direct a hit the coast takes.

[LiberalEsto]

1. I hope the wild ponies on Chincoteague and Assateague stay safe

when this colossal wet mess hits the barrier islands.

[stuntcat]

2. oh gosh yeah..

I hadn't thought of them, but I will now!