Key Biscayne beaches and beach erosion update...
Key Biscayne is known worldwide for over 5 miles of the most wonderful beaches in the world. Two of which
(Crandon Park and Cape Florida) have made it onto the best beaches in the world list more than once.
Key Biscayne is protected from the very deep waters and high waves and strong currents of the Gulf Stream
and the direct rage of the Atlantic Ocean by the way that this barrier island is situated geographically.
The beaches do not meet deep water at the shoreline. The beaches normally meet ripple size waves gently
lapping the 'Island Paradise' of Key Biscayne and this is because any large wave out of the Gulf Stream
(in the Atlantic Ocean) must first travel over miles of the gradually sloped sea floor before reaching the shores
of Key Biscayne. The 2200 foot deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean are located in spots within 15 miles of
Key Biscayne, yet the deeper waters of the Ocean, and the swells that are created, share the other shore with Africa must
first meet up with the thousands of Bahamian Islands ( Bimini is closest of the Bahamian Islands at 48 miles due east of
Key Biscayne). The combination of these two conditions, but most specifically the gradual slope of the seabed floor
leading up to Key Biscayne help to keep the Key Biscayne beaches intact. Beach erosion on Key Biscayne has been
an issue for generations and the more active the hurricane season, the more obvious the need for regular
management of the sand on the beach becomes. These two pictures below highlight the ever changing seascape.
The seaoats that were planted along Dunes
had their desired effect by slowing the onslaught of the waves and
tides, yet one should bear in mind that
Hurricane Katrina did not hit Key Biscayne and passed over 300 miles
south of us here. Upon closer inspection,
the seaoats did not stand much of a chance had the weather been any worse.
For real time information
and satellite images of the tropical weather,
here
is the
link
to the National Weather Service National Hurricane Center (located in Coral
Gables Florida).
The lifeguard stand now located within
the hightide watermark of the Atlantic Ocean in front of the Key
Biscayne Beach Club.
It has not been moved recently but certainly
puts the lifeguard a little closer to the swimmers now.
According to the sign posted these 'Dune
Plants' are protected by Law. It will be interesting to see how the
maker of
Hurricane Rita will be held liable for
the destruction of literally thousands of plants.
Previous picture
Key
Biscayne picture tour
Key
Biscayne Sunbathing Photogallery - click here!
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