Applying mega nourishments

Overview

Beach nourishment offers a temporary measure to mitigate coastal erosion and increase coastal protection. It consists of placing dredged sand along or in front of a beach, where wave and tidal action distribute it alongshore. Waves also play a role in cross-shore transport and beach development. A typical project lasts several years; each re-nourishment disrupts the local ecosystem. The mega-nourishment, by contrast, may sustain continual dispersion and lateral transport over a decade or more, reducing disturbance to the landscape. It utilizes ten-fold the typical volume of sand in a single, strategic placement. At this scale, the mega-nourishment can induce dune formation, create new ecosystems, and contribute to recreational features.