A massive concrete seawall constructed along the northern New Jersey coastline to shield a public highway and beachfront properties achieved its goal of protecting landward structures, but caused the complete loss of the sandy shoreline it sat upon. According to a coastal hazard report published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), titled Coasts in Crisis (Circular 1075), the artificial wall deflected wave energy directly downwards into the surf zone. Over time, the intensified wave reflection scoured away the remaining beach deposit until the ocean reached the base of the concrete barrier, leaving no recreational sand exposed even at low tide. The findings show a long-standing environmental dilemma along developed barrier islands, where armouring the shore to defend fixed infrastructure often accelerates the erosion of adjacent natural habitats.
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