Plum Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Northeastern Massachusetts and has been the subject of many geological and scientific studies for decades. While a great deal of sedimentological data is available, there is a lack of direct storm impact studies. Longshore drift has been historically accepted as the primary influence of sediment transportation. The data from this research indicates that coastal storms may have a greater impact on sediment migration than was previously understood. This research used widely accepted sedimentology techniques to collect, and analyze sediment and beach profiles. Sample and data collection occurred before, during and after two of the March 2018 Nor’ Easter events which affected the island. Research indicates this may be the first time chronological storm data has been collected from Plum Island. The results will reveal the impact of powerful storms on sediment migration.
