Beach Responses to Hurricane Impacts : A Case Study of Long

Abstract

Over a three year period between hurricanes Michelle (2001) and Hurricane Ivan (2004) the Long Bay Beach, Negril Jamaica, was able to largely recover to its pre hurricane Michelle position. Between hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Wilma (2005) and hurricanes Wilma and Dean (2007) however, the Beach experienced a net loss of approximately five (5) meters. Overall the data suggest that the Beach requires a minimum of 3-4 years to recover to its pre- storm position following the near passage of a category 4 storm event. This Paper documents the erosion and recovery of Long Bay Beach, following storm events and proposes a beach recovery response time schedule which would be of interest to beach property owners and other economic users and stakeholders. Bench marks established in 2000 and beach profile data collected over a nine year period (2000-2008) provide an opportunity to study the effects of five (5) hurricanes (Mitch 1998, Michelle 2001, Ivan 2004, Wilma 2005, Dean 2007) on the level of beach erosion and to monitor post-storm recovery. Tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly late season hurricanes as demonstrated by Hurricanes Mitch, Michelle and Wilma pose, a serious threat to beaches on the south west coast of Jamaica including the Long Bay Beach, Negril. Beach property owners and beach managers in this area must therefore prepare and implement beach adaptation strategies as a counter to the impact of these storm events. Key