Coastal Erosion: Causes, Types, and Management Strategies

Study Notes

Coastal Erosion

Definition: Coastal erosion is the process of wearing away or removal of land along the coastline, resulting in loss of land, habitat, and infrastructure.

Causes of Coastal Erosion:

Wave Action: Wave energy breaks down and erodes the coast, especially during storms and high tides.
Tides and Currents: Strong tidal currents and longshore currents can erode the coast and transport sediment.
Wind: Wind can generate waves and increase erosion, especially during storms.
Human Activities: Coastal development, dredging, and sand mining can disrupt natural sediment transport and increase erosion.
Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels can cause increased erosion and flooding.

Types of Coastal Erosion:

Beach Erosion: Loss of sand and sediment from beaches, often due to wave action and tidal currents.
Cliff Erosion: Collapse of cliffs and bluffs, often due to wave action, weathering, and human activities.
Dune Erosion: Loss of sand dunes, often due to wind, wave action, and human activities.

Effects of Coastal Erosion:

Loss of Land and Habitat: Erosion can result in loss of land, habitat, and biodiversity.
Infrastructure Damage: Erosion can damage coastal infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and ports.
Economic Impacts: Erosion can have significant economic impacts, including loss of tourism and recreation revenue.
Human Safety: Erosion can pose a risk to human safety, especially during storms and flooding events.

Coastal Erosion Management Strategies:

Beach Nourishment: Pumping sand onto eroded beaches to restore them.
Coastal Protection Structures: Building seawalls, groynes, and breakwaters to protect the coast from erosion.
Managed Retreat: Allowing natural processes to occur while relocating infrastructure and habitats.
Sustainable Coastal Development: Implementing sustainable development practices to minimize erosion and habitat destruction.