A predictive index for wave and storm surge induced erosion

A new index which attempts to quantify past and future impacts of coastal storms based on their beach erosion potential is proposed. The new index considers changes in both waves and water levels, parameters which have typically been recorded during past storms, and which are regularly predicted for future storms. The Peak Erosion Index (PEI) combines the storm surge and wave height at any given time into a physically based parameter reflective of instantaneous storm intensity and beach erosion potential. Integrating the PEI over the duration of each storm gives a second parameter, the Storm Erosion Index (SEI), which by virtue of its definition includes event longevity and therefore provides a more comprehensive measure of potential storm impact.