Observation of Storm Overwash Deposition on Snow-Covered Jersey Shore

Joshua Dovey

Co-Presenters: Mateo Gonzalez, Matthew Faustin, Elizabeth MacChioni, Benjamin Okun, Madelyn Tomasello, Amber Newell

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.ENVIRSCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Cheng, Jun  

Abstract:

Snow–ice interactions with storm surge and overwash processes in temperate sandy coasts remain poorly documented because suitable field conditions are rare. A major snowfall along the New Jersey coast in late January 2026 was followed approximately two weeks later by a Nor’easter that transported overwash deposits across snow-covered beaches. The preserved snow layers provided a natural tracer for identifying overwash distribution. Field trenching and beach profiling were conducted at Ortley Beach New Jersey, during three stages: pre-snow conditions, immediately after overwash deposition onto the snow surface, and after complete snowmelt. Observations indicate that erosive beaches characterized by steeper foreshore slopes exhibited little to no overwash landward of the berm crest, and no accumulation of buried ice in the back beach, whereas relatively stable, gently sloping beaches experienced extensive overwash penetration into the landward of berm crest, and pounding of ice in trough in front of the foredune in the back beach. The existence of snow layers allowed minor overwash and its distribution become distinctively visible, that would otherwise be difficult to reconstruct without it. Documenting overwash deposition on snow and the subsequent morphological response after snowmelt provides additional constraints for interpreting coastal storm impacts and improves understanding of beach response under cold-season storm conditions.