Which areas are appropriate to armor and which are not?The below image shows a three foot rise in sea level (and associated erosion). The Pt. Judith Breachway is a major influence on the area's current economy. Sea level rises threaten to increase the tidal flow through the small gap created by the breachway, which may cause a second unconstructed breachway to open somewhere on the barrier beach to the east or west. The current breakwater structures would become submerged during the highest tides. They would still perform a significant role in reducing wave energy, but would be difficult to see for boat traffic and may also required more repair.

In all these scenarios, no action is taken west of Matunuck Point. This decision is because the economic/social value of the region is not significant enough to warrant large investment.

Case Study: A Movable State Beach (.pdf)