Beach Health Indicators
Beach Erosion
Beach erosion and shoreline erosion are two separate issues:
- Beach erosion: refers to the loss of sand
- Shoreline erosion: includes the loss of land.
These are often confused. It is important to determine whether a
study is reporting beach erosion and/or shoreline erosion.
All coastal states are experiencing erosion at some place along their coastline.
Coastal erosion occurs due to a combination of factors, including sea level
rise, loss of sand supply (from the damming of rivers, dredging projects,
and the paving of watersheds), and geologic changes in the land. Coastal
erosion typically does not pose any problems until it threatens structures
or diminishes the width of recreational beaches.
Unfortunately, attraction to the coast and ocean has lured us into building
coastal development too close to the sea. This often results in long-term
and expensive projects, such as shoreline armoring and beach fill programs,
to protect development. Surfrider believes it is important to gain a better
understanding of where erosion problems exist, in order to educate local
citizens about the high price of building too close to the ocean.
In this report, we present erosion information that is available from the
states, ranging from engineering studies to erosion rate maps. We hope to
make the public aware of areas in their states that are eroding. Raising
awareness about beach erosion may lead, over time, to the reestablishment
of historical sources of sand supply.
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