Shoreline Protection for coastal wetland at John’s Cove, Elizabeth, NJ
Jackie Park Albaum
Co-Presenters: Kevin Billy
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Earth Science
Faculty Research Mentor: Jun Cheng
Abstract:
The wetland at John’s Cove has been experiencing significant erosion due to active wave actions. A comparison of high-resolution images from National Agriculture Program, taken in 2010 and 2012, reals that the wetland has retreated 35 m. Measurement of wave was recorded by RBR Wave gauge. Numerical modeling of the wave field, conducted by the Coastal Modeling System (CMS), suggests that the existing breakwater is not effective in reducing incoming wave energy. An alternative breakwater design, featuring with smaller gaps and located closer to the shoreline, is more efficient in reducing wave energy, and protect the shore. Additionally, the potential use of oyster reef balls as a shoreline protection measure, from technical and policy perspective, will be explored with the City of Elizabeth.