New jersey barrier

The New Jersey Barrier, also known as the Jersey Barrier, is a type of coastal defense structure designed to protect against storm surges, erosion, and flooding. It is a long, narrow wall or barrier that runs along the coast of New Jersey, USA, and is an important part of the state's coastal protection system.

Here are some key facts about the New Jersey Barrier:

  1. Purpose: The barrier is designed to protect against storm surges, which are sudden rises in sea level caused by storms, hurricanes, or other weather events. It helps to prevent flooding, erosion, and damage to coastal communities and infrastructure.
  2. Location: The barrier runs along the entire coastline of New Jersey, stretching for approximately 130 miles (210 km) from the Delaware River to the New York-New Jersey border.
  3. Design: The barrier is a concrete or steel wall that is typically 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) high and 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) wide. It is designed to withstand waves and storm surges, and is often reinforced with additional features such as dunes, seawalls, and beach nourishment.
  4. History: The first sections of the barrier were built in the 1920s and 1930s, but it wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that the barrier was expanded and modernized. Today, it is an important part of New Jersey's coastal protection system.
  5. Benefits: The barrier helps to protect against flooding, erosion, and damage to coastal communities and infrastructure. It also helps to preserve the state's natural habitats and ecosystems, and provides a safe and stable environment for recreation and tourism.
  6. Challenges: The barrier is not a foolproof solution, and it has faced challenges over the years. For example, during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the barrier was breached in several places, causing significant flooding and damage. Since then, the state has invested in upgrading and strengthening the barrier to better withstand future storms.

Overall, the New Jersey Barrier is an important part of the state's coastal protection system, and plays a critical role in protecting against flooding, erosion, and damage to coastal communities and infrastructure.