Abstract:
Popponesset Spit, the barrier beach sheltering Popponesset Bay on Cape
Cod, Massachusetts, has experienced large changes in its
location and shape over the past thirty years. Concern by the public
over loss of this barrier beach and the associated recreational and wildlife
resources, as well as its storm-protection function, resulted in a number of
studies involving local, state and federal officials. The purpose of these
studies was to identify causes and future trends (Benoit and Donahoe, 1979)
and to identify engineering solutions to this instability (U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, 1972; Camp, Dresser and McKee, 1981). For various reasons, these
studies were incomplete and stated some conclusions which were generally
misleading or incorrect. The purpose of the present study was to provide a
thorough reexamination of the geological problem at Popponesset Spit, to
dispel the misconceptions and to more rigorously document the large-scale
changes. The impetus for our concern over the beach was a desire to
contribute to an effective, rational management and utilization strategy for
this coastal region.
