Measuring the Changing Beach
You don't have to tell a Bonacker that beaches change all the time. We can see it! It's a lot harder, though to figure out how much the beach has changed, and how fast. And it's harder still to predict what's going to happen next.
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But it's not impossible. All we need is data. There are a lot of smart people in this community and around the world with deep knowledge of statistical analysis, meteorology, marine science and beach morphology who can take data and, through analysis and comparison, turn it into actionable information.
MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS
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On September 23, 2024 BeachRight obtained permission from the East Hampton Trustees for the public to measure visible beach features at the following locations:
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Town Line (TL)
Beach Lane (BL)
Georgica Beach (GB)
Main Beach (MB)
Two Mile Hollow (TMH)
Indian Wells (IW)
Atlantic Avenue (AA)
Napeague Lane (NPL)
White Sands (WS)
Navahoe Lane (NHL)
Kirk Park (KP)
South Edison (SE)
Ditch Plains West (DPW)
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Each location will have a fixed measuring start point (click here). Members of the public can take measurements of beach features according to the following protocol.
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METHOD
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1. Locate the starting point and affix the measuring tape to the fixed starting point (i.e., the hook or nail).
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2. Note and record the date and time of day.
3. Proceed perpendicular to the waterline.
4. Record the linear distance to the following features (if visible):
a. Dune Peak (DP)
b. Vegetation Line (VL)
c. Wrack Line (WL)
d. Beach Crest (BC)
e. Wet Sand/Water Line (WL)
(See explanations below)
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5. Submit your data to BeachRight
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That's all there is to it!
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EXAMPLE OF DATA REPORTED TO BEACHRIGHT:
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Place: AA (See list above)
Date: January 1, 2024
Time: 7:00am
Measurements (in feet):
DP 33, VL 67, WL 108, BC 175, WL 188
THE VISIBLE FEATURES OF THE BEACH
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Dune Peak
The dune peak (DP) is the highest point on the primary dune. This is typically covered with beach grass or other vegetation, and often defines the skyline when viewed from the water's edge. At the measurement locations, the primary dune is interrupted for access. Measurement requires interpolation, by finding the point, as near as can be determined, where the measuring tape would cross a straight line between the dune peak to the east and to the west.
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Vegetation Line
The vegetation line (VL) is the seaward limit of beach grass growth, or other vegetation. At the measurement locations, the vegetation line is interrupted for beach access. Measurement requires interpolation, by finding the point, as near as can be determined, where the measuring tape would cross a straight line between the vegetation line to the east and to the west.
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Wrack Line
The wrack line (WL) is the landward limit of driftwood, debris, seaweed and other waterborne material pushed onto the sand by ocean waves. From time to time it can be indistinct or intermittent. Measurement may require interpolation, and if necessary subjective judgment, by finding the point, as near as may be determined, where the measuring tape would cross a straight line between the wrack line to the east and to the west. Subjective judgment should be exercised to decide, as far as may be determined, whether wrack or debris has been moved by human or pet activity from its natural location.
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Beach Crest
The beach crest (BC) is the top of the final berm that faces the ocean. Typically, the elevation of the beach falls slightly behind the beach crest, forming a shallow trough between the beach crest and the usually vegetated primary dune. The beach crest does not always exist, for example after heavy surf when the beach is smoothed into a single upward slope from the water to the primary dune.
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Wet Sand/Water Line
The wet sand/water line (WL) is the landward edge of the swash zone, the highest point where the waves have recently washed up to. It is typically observed by a variation in tone between lighter dry sand and darker sand that has recently been overwashed by wave action. The wet sand/water line is the visible water's edge.
