Formed by barrier islands Lake Worth was originally fresh water.Since it had no ocean access nor rivers or streams feeding into it the only water entering was rainfall and seepage from the everglades to the west.
In 1866 the Lake Worth Inlet was cut open north of here to allow ocean access so goods could be more easily moved inland.This resulted in the lake becoming brackish. There was also a pollution problem due to increasing population development.
Construction of the Boynton Inlet began in 1925 and was completed in 1927.Its function was to provide another outlet so a natural flushing action could occur.
Along the east coast of Florida there is a general southward drift of sand.This caused it to pile up on the north side of the jetty. The result was sand spilling into the inlet which hindered the water flow and forming shoals at the mouth. It also caused less material to be deposited on the south shore resulting in erosion.
To combat this problem a sand transfer plant ,the first of its kind anywhere in the world was constructed in 1937. The plant can move 50,000 - 100,000 cubic feet of sand from the north side of inlet to the south side a year.
The inlet was never intended for navigation as it is only 130 feet wide with a depth of 6-12 feet. Recreational boaters use it none the less but it is considered very dangerous due to shoaling that occurs at the mouth as well as strong currents that are present due to the narrow opening.
Post a picture of yourself on the Jetty.
To claim your smilie please send me the answers to the following questions.
DO NOT POST THEM IN YOUR LOG.
Logging Requirements
1. At Stage 1, please estimate how wide the inlet is at this point.
2. At Stage 2, Observe the water.Is it clear or cloudy? Would you say the flow of water was strong enough to help flush the Lagoon ?
3. At Stage 3, Is the outlet pipe pumping sand ? Do you see evidence of erosion or is the beach healthy looking.
Sources.
Wikipedia
Davis Jr., Richard A.; FitzGerald, Duncan M. (2004), Beaches and Coasts,
www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2008-01-27-0801240386-story.html
Source: Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management