resulting storm event is identified by a total surge level (storm surge plus 
tide), a recurrence period (in years) associated with the basic storm event, 
and a numerical identifier uniquely associated with each generated storm. 
This identifier is used to reconstruct the time history of each generated 
storm for subsequent input to the beach erosion model. 
154. The reconstruction of each randomly selected storm event from the 
storm identifier results in the development of an event of known return period 
and surge height, but of variable duration. Erosion of dune and berm areas 
has been shown (Birkemeier et al. 1987) to be highly dependent on storm dura- 
tion as well as surge level; two storms of equivalent return period and surge 
level do not necessarily produce the same amount of erosion and recession. 
For this reason, multiple storm simulations were made for both hurricanes and 
northeasters. 
155. The procedure for generating hurricane and northeaster storm 
events and the methodology for using these events to calculate berm recession 
versus recurrence interval relationships were specifically developed for this 
project. Fifty-five hurricanes were randomly selected, reconstructed, and 
generated corresponding to discrete maximum total surge (storm plus tide) 
elevations ranging from 4.0 ft to 14.8 ft NGVD at 0.2-ft increments. Simi- 
larly, 24 northeasters were generated for total surges ranging from 5.0 ft to 
9.6 ft NGVD at 0.2-ft increments. All storm events were based on stage- 
frequency curves (for both hurricanes and northeasters) computed for Monmouth 
Beach, New Jersey (see Part VI). 
156. Due to differences in both erosion and recession produced by 
storms of equal surge level but different duration (and distribution of the 
surge peak within each storm event), the random storm selection was performed 
five times in order to create a large comprehensive data base of storm events 
of known total surge level, duration, and return period. This approach re- 
sulted in the generation of 275 hurricanes and 120 northeasters which are 
individually input to the beach erosion model for evaluation of the desired 
berm configurations. The approach provides a reliable data base for comparing 
potential storm-associated damage as a function of erosion resulting from 
storm events with frequencies of occurrence ranging from several years to over 
1000 years. 
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