The Effects of Hurricane Hugo on the Reefs and Associated Environments of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands—A Preliminary Assessment

• Published in: Journal of coastal research pp. 33 - 48
• Main Authors: Hubbard, Dennis K., Parsons, Karla M., Bythell, John C., Walker, N.D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Coastal Education & Research Foundation (CERF) 01-04-1991
• Subjects: Coral reefs; Corals; Flood damage; Hurricanes; Reefs; Sediments; Storm damage; Storms; Submarine canyons; Waves
• ISSN: 0749-0208; 1551-5036

Early in the morning of September 18, 1989, Hurricane Hugo passed over St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Winds likely exceeded 150 mph, with gusts exceeding 170 mph. On the north coast, wave heights ranged from 3–7 m; larger waves occurred on the south shore. Beach erosion was generally less than expected, but did reach 20 m in extreme cases. The pattern of reef destruction was controlled by (1) water depth, (2) the character of the pre-storm bottom communities, and (3) the orientation of the shoreline and reefs. Lower-than-expected damage to many south-facing reefs on St. Croix was related to (1) the adaptation of these shallow-water communities to frequent "near miss" hurricanes, and (2) the pre-existing level of damage from past storms. The near-total destruction of reefs on the south side of Buck Island was the most severe observed. Debris transport was controlled by forereef slope, with downslope transport dominating steeper areas and landward movement occurring in areas with a gentler forereef slope. On northeast St. Croix, damage was patchy. Some areas were reduced to rubble pavements while adjacent areas appeared untouched. To the west, the leeward setting and deeper water spared the reefs from severe damage. Many of these areas were swept clean of nearly all loose sediment. This storm-induced flushing may be a positive factor in the long-term development of these reefs.