Barrier island forming method for beach renourishment

摘要

A new method for more rapidly renourishing a beach. A mobile accretion unit is set on the bottom a considerable distance out from the beach, yet still within the region where sand is deposited by wave action. This accretion unit collects sand over time. It is gradually raised to keep it from burying itself. The unit eventually creates a small sand “island,” which is typically located one hundred feet or more from the beach. A chain of such small sand islands are preferably created along the shore. Radiating sets of linear fences are then placed on each island. These fences radiate out into the surrounding water. The linear fences trap additional sand and serve to increase the size of the islands. Linear fences extending from the islands to the beach may be used, as well as linear fences extending between adjacent islands. Eventually the islands grow together and merge with the prior beach, thereby creating a new beach along the position of the islands.