Lowe, S.A.; Cercone, C.; McKeon, B., and Corrao, J., 2025. Erosion, flooding, and storm surge on the South Shore of Staten Island, New York City. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(2), 235–246. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The South Shore of Staten Island in New York City is extremely vulnerable to the impact of climate change. The area is susceptible to coastal flooding, storm surge, and erosion, and was devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Sea-level rise and more frequent extreme events will only exacerbate the risk. Proposals to protect the South Shore include a complex onshore system with a buried seawall. These measures should offer flood and surge protection but will not address erosion. Offshore breakwaters could protect against storm wave damage and potentially rebuild the shoreline by reversing the effects of erosion. However, breakwaters are not known as effective storm surge barriers. To investigate the interaction of breakwaters and storm surge, a series of physical experiments was conducted. Four different breakwater systems were tested and evaluated on the basis of their ability to reduce storm surge height in comparison with an unprotected beach. A typical rubble mound breakwater was ineffective against storm surge; however, a rubble mound breakwater retrofitted with a sheet pile core was able to significantly reduce storm surge effects. A vertical breakwater was also tested and found to be effective, especially when retrofitted with a cantilevered deck to reduce overtopping.