In actuality, many of the best breaks on the East Coast (other than some of the rocky pts of the NE) ARE "artificial". Many were created for "Coastal Protection" or "Erosion Control". Even NSSS can be considered an "artificial, man-made wave". Without the jetty it would be another shifty beach break. A well known northern NJ spot is a classic example, as is the lighthouse area around Hatteras. While they were created to protect the beaches, the waves were a happy accident of littoral sand movement. As for trying to design a purpose built permanent artificial "reef" in our parts- it would be impractical for the most part. The bottom material, in our case, is sand. Sand moves with any slight current or tidal flow. Setting up any kind of reef may work in the short term but will soon expose the flaws in placing one there. The sand will collect or scour over time in ways that are almost impossible to predict. What may happen is the sand building up in one place and scouring out a deep hole in another. Quality would soon be no better than what we have now. Or maybe worse. This, I think was the result at Pratte's reef in CA.
Now, in my opinion, a system of a series of Portable caisson type of structures a hundred yds off shore, maybe 100 yds long and 200 or 300 yds apart that blocks predominant wave action is a better choice. Okay, so it may block some waves- BUT the waves that come through will be slightly refracted and create A-frames instead of 100 yd wide close outs. AND as the sand builds up behind the caissons, a series of semi circular sand structures are created. Once the beach is widened a certain amount, the caissons are then moved into the existing openings. The waves THEN come into these semi-circular projections and create a near 'Trestles' like peak that peels along with rights and lefts. this process can be repeated as needed along the beach and then moved back to the starting point. As an example- I think the Narrowneck artificial reef in Australia created the type of situation I describe. The beach behind the reef started to build up with no other help. I think this would use a more natural sand movement as opposed to another set of groins. It would also allow the sand to move ALONG the shore in a more natural flow, bringing sand to down beach locations. Another plus is the creation of structure for sea life, making for better fishing, bigger sharks which will then thin out the crowds.
August 15, 2005, 10:29:02 AM