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Coastal erosion generally describes the loss of geological material from ocean shorelines, which results from a range of physical systems.
Wave action, ocean currents, sea-level rise, and human-induced soil erosion result in the loss of sand, stone, rock, and other kinds of ground material from coastlines. Coastal erosion specifically describes the loss of coastal geological material, distinct from temporary changes in the shape of coasts.3
All of Earth’s oceanic coasts face erosion of varying degrees and rates of severity. Coastal erosion may be short or long term, with changes in how much coastal ground is lost and where. The amount and speed of coastal erosion depend on localized geographical, oceanographic, and climatological or meteorological contexts.1,3 A few kilometers or miles of distance between coastal locations may result in significant differences in erosion.3 The loss of ground from coastal erosion correlates with the loss of substantial economic and environmental value.1 The permanent loss of coastal ground means the displacement of large human and animal populations, the destruction of vast amounts of private and public property, and even the ruin of sensitive ecologies. Coastal erosion can contribute to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
Coastal erosion’s impacts on human civilization have been documented as early as in fourth century (BCE) China.2 Throughout history, civilizations have responded to the economic and environmental loss of erosion by either retreating from or abandoning eroding coasts, or using materials such as earth, stone, concrete, and wood to try fighting against erosion. Degrees of retreat and success in resisting erosion vary widely through history and across civilizations.2 Currently, coastal erosion is monitored or predicted using computer models which are supported by remote sensing from land, sea, and space.1,3 There is general scientific consensus that human activities and sea-level rise are both worsening rates and degrees of coastal erosion.1,3,4 Humanity influences coastal erosion by disrupting natural flows of sediment through construction, agriculture, and other developments as well as by accelerating the carbon cycle, which influences climate change.1,4
Modern efforts to address coastal erosion are led by the fields of Coastal Management and Coastal Engineering. Contemporary Coastal Management of erosion can be categorized as defense, alignment, and sacrifice.4 Relocation and planned retreats, as well as changes to the public use of coastlines, represent common management strategies against coastal erosion. Various kinds of coastal hardening or fortification, including the use of artificial seawalls, groins, and breakwaters, are common Coastal Engineering approaches to combating erosion.
©2024 ClimateLit (Zachary Dixon)
See Also: U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit: Coastal Erosion
References:
1. Prasad, D. H., & Kumar, N. D. (2014). Coastal erosion studies—a review. International Journal of Geosciences, 5, 341-345.
https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2014.53033.
2. Pranzini, E. (2018). Coastal erosion and shore protection: A brief historical analysis. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 22(5), 827-83.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-017-0521-9.
3. Van Rijn, L. C. (2011). Coastal erosion and control. Ocean & Coastal Management, 54(12), 867-887. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2011.05.004.
4. Williams, A. T., Rangel-Buitrago, N., Pranzini, E., & Anfuso, G. (2018). The management of coastal erosion. Ocean & coastal management, 156, 4-20.
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