Beach changes and management options for Nauset Barrier Beach and Orleans Town Beach, Cape Cod, MA : report to the Town of Orleans

Abstract

The present study investigated the shoreline and dune changes occurrng along Nauset Barrier Beach system during the past sixty years, based on examination of aerial photographs, charts, and other data sources. Significant changes have occurred to the barrier beach and dune systems of Nauset during the fifteeen intervening years since the last major study of the system. The barrier and shoreline in general has continued to retreat, and nearly all the dunes along South Spit have eroded away during storms, so the new profile of the South Spit is extremely low lying and storm waves overtop it frequently. Overwash has resulted in closing off South Channel which separates the Spit from New Island. Dunes near Aspinet Road have been eroded away, causing increased flooding of Aspinet Road. Extensive previous research performed on erosion rates are consistent with the present rates. However, present data from this report include more up-to-date photographs, and include specific attention to dune retreat and recent tidal inlet migration and number of inlets. Such decadal updates on the behavior of Nauset Barrier Beach and the adjacent Orleans Town Beach can provide valuable timely information for assessing management practices for this region.