Written Statement

Coastal erosion is defined as the weathering of our coast line due to harsh storm-generated waves. To define coastal erosion, its namesake must be explored. “Coast” means the area near or adjoining the ocean. “Erosion” is the weathering or washing away of sediment. Put together, the sediment on coastlines are being washed away by tidal waves. The branch of science that deals with coastal erosion is geology, the study of the physical matter that constitutes the earth. The sub-branch of geology that deals more closely with coastal erosion is sequence stratigraphy, a pretty new branch of geology dealing specifically with sea level and sedimentary deposits. Technically, there is no specific “start” to coastal erosion. The tides have been weathering away at the coasts for as long the existence of earth itself. But, it is not until recently that coastal erosion has worsened drastically. Coastal erosion is caused by the tidal waves pummeling the rocks and sediment along the coast. These large waves are caused by harsh storms and high sea level. It is possible that global warming contributed to this issue, as the melting of the polar ice caps created a higher sea level, and global warming itself is creating harsher storms. Although coastal erosion occurs on almost every coast across the globe (some worse than others), surprisingly it has not been recognized until quite recently. It was clearly known about in the 1970’s but was not fully acknowledged as a global issue until the mid to late 1980’s. Aside from the fact that beaches are shrinking and will eventually cease to exist, there are coastal ecosystems that are being affected. There are many examples of coastal bird and insect colonies, and coastal erosion is shrinking the area in which they can live. Concern at this point really does depend on an individual’s location. Some coasts are experiencing coastal erosion much worse than others. But, undoubtedly, even the coasts that are not of concern now, should be concerned in the near future. Coastal erosion cannot be fixed in its entirety. Studies say that unless global warming is stopped, or there is complete climate change, coastal erosion will not be stopped. But, it can be slowed drastically. Many actions have been taken to try to slow down coastal erosion. One of the most effective actions taken was building walls to break the waves before they hit the coast. This initially worked extremely well, but they discovered in the long run that it had adverse effects. What is working, and is the best method at the moment is beach nourishment. This is the process of taking sand from an offshore site and transplanting it to the coast. Concern is raised about the offshore site being ruined. This is valid concern, and if sand/ sediment is taken from a bad offshore site, it could prove problematic. Beach nourishment is also very expensive. Actually, recently, this issue has been raised a lot in government. Because solutions are so expensive, government funding is necessary to pay for beach nourishment. The government has also recently stepped up and has issued beach nourishment itself and has researched better solutions. Personally, I have tried to help with coastal erosion with a three pronged attack for my local solution. I went to affluent coastal towns and passed out pamphlets I made to inform them about the issue and give them a place to donate to. I raised awareness on campus, and wrote a letter to New Jersey senator, Frank Lautenberg.

FAQ’s

o What is Coastal Erosion?
Coastal erosion is defined as the weathering of our coast line due to harsh storm-generated waves. To define coastal erosion, its namesake must be explored. “Coast” means the area near or adjoining the ocean. “Erosion” is the weathering or washing away of sediment. Put together, the sediment on coastlines are being washed away by tidal waves.

o When did coastal erosion start?
Technically, there is no specific “start” to coastal erosion. The tides have been weathering away at the coasts for as long the existence of earth itself. But, it is not until recently that coastal erosion has worsened drastically.

o What are the causes of coastal erosion?
Coastal erosion is caused by the tidal waves pummeling the rocks and sediment along the coast. These large waves are caused by harsh storms and high sea level. It is possible that global warming contributed to this issue, as the melting of the polar ice caps created a higher sea level, and global warming itself is creating harsher storms.

o When was coastal erosion deemed a global issue?
Although coastal erosion occurs on almost every coast across the globe (some worse than others), surprisingly it has not been recognized until quite recently. It was clearly known about in the 1970’s but was not fully acknowledged as a global issue until the mid to late 1980’s.

o What are the effects that coastal erosion has?
Aside from the fact that beaches are shrinking and will eventually cease to exist, there are coastal ecosystems that are being affected. There are many examples of coastal bird and insect colonies, and coastal erosion is shrinking the area in which they can live.

o Who should be most concerned with coastal erosion?
Concern at this point really does depend on an individual’s location. Some coasts are experiencing coastal erosion much worse than others. But, undoubtedly, even the coasts that are not of concern now, should be concerned in the near future.

o How can coastal erosion be fixed?
Coastal erosion cannot be fixed in its entirety. Studies say that unless global warming is stopped, or there is complete climate change, coastal erosion will not be stopped. But, it can be slowed drastically.

o What steps have been taken to slow down coastal erosion?
Many actions have been taken to try to slow down coastal erosion. One of the most effective actions taken was building walls to break the waves before they hit the coast. This initially worked extremely well, but they discovered in the long run that it had adverse effects.

o What steps are working to slow down coastal erosion?
What is working, and is the best method at the moment is beach nourishment. This is the process of taking sand from an offshore site and transplanting it to the coast. Concern is raised about the offshore site being ruined. This is valid concern, and if sand/ sediment is taken from a bad offshore site, it could prove problematic. Beach nourishment is also very expensive.

o Has the government helped with this problem at all?
Actually, recently, this issue has been raised a lot in government. Because solutions are so expensive, government funding is necessary to pay for beach nourishment. The government has also recently stepped up and has issued beach nourishment itself and has researched better solutions.

Case Studies
















http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023163509.htm

Saving Sand: South Carolina Beaches Become a Model for Preservation

Myrtle Beach is a huge tourist location. Many tourists flock there every year to lie out on the sand and relax. They may not be able to lie out on the sand for much longer because of the threat of coastal erosion. So far the scientists in charge of dealing with coastal erosion have only studied a small portion of the beach. But even in this small area, they can see that it is a representation of a problem on a much larger scale. What are they doing to help the situation? The scientists have researched and found suitable offshore sites from which sand can be taken. They then took into consideration the budget of Myrtle Beach and are developing the best way to preserve it.




http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125123233.htm

Maximum Height of Extreme Waves up Dramatically in Pacific Northwest

After recent research conducted on waves in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, a group of scientists came to some grim findings. Their new assessment says that waves now may reach as high as 46 feet. This is huge in comparison to the 33 feet that were estimated in 1996. They even say that a wave has the possibility to exceed 55 feet! This would drastically increase coastal erosion in the area, as waves that big will pummel the coast, quickly sweeping away sediment. These waves also may bring a host of other problems.




http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091214173652.htm

The University of Colorado at Boulder conducted a recent study on coastal erosion in Alaska, specifically the northern coastline, halfway between Point Barrow and Prudhoe Bay. Their study led to an alarming conclusion. The coastline was eroding at the rate of one-third a football field annually. The university found that it was the mixture of three phenomena that was causing such quick erosion: declining sea ice, warming seawater, and increased wave activity. The worst part of this conclusion, though, is that they deemed that in this situation, there is no end in sight.

article summaries

As Oil Slick Drifts Closer, Resource Defenders Gird for Worst Along Gulf Coast	The oil spill on the Gulf Coast is proving to have more and worse aftermath. Not only is the oil itself ruining the wildlife and ecosystem in the area, but there is also concern that the oil may contribute to quicker and more harsh coastal erosion on the Gulf Coast. The oil could quickly kill the grass and plant life in the marshes and wetlands in the area. This would just cause more wildlife to be disrupted, as there are many species of birds living there.
Noelle Straub
April 30, 2010
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/04/30/30greenwire-as-oil-slick-drifts-closer-resource-defenders-g-9775.html?scp=2&sq=coastal%20erosion&st=cse

Erosion Whittles Away at the Cape; Debate on How to Stop it Goes On	Talks about coastal erosion on The Cape. It also mentions other New England coasts such as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket that are experiencing coastal erosion changes. Richard Delaney, director of the Coastal Zone Management Office in Boston, predicts that in 1000 years, coastal erosion in that area will be so bad that The Cape will break into two separate islands.
Teresa M, Hanafin
June 2, 1985
Boston Globe
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/661999261.html?FMT=ABS&date=Jun%202,%201985

Environment: Shrinking Shores	This is a fairly old article from when coastal erosion was first being explored. Speaks of many places where coastal erosion is occurring in the United States, but also speaks of the issue on a global scale. Many other countries are experiencing coastal erosion as well. In the article, a coastal geologist states that everything being done to stop coastal erosion is only temporary.
Times Author
August 10, 1987
Times
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965180-1,00.html

Gains, and Losses, Along the Shore	The pros and cons of beach nourishment/ replenishment are weighed. Although beach nourishment slows the process of coastal erosion, surfers argue that it actually ruins the beach by ruining surfing conditions. Much money has been spent on beach nourishment in New Jersey over the past years. Finally they think they found a new method of beach nourishment that appeals to surfers as well.
Coleen Dee Berry
March 6, 2009
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/nyregion/new-jersey/08beachnj.html?_r=1

As Beaches Erode, So Do Solutions	Beach nourishment is quite expensive, and finding funds for a seemingly inevitable phenomenon is difficult. The Atlantic and Gulf Coast areas are realizing this. They have scarce funding to protect their beaches so have resorted to other methods. They have voted on a tax for beach nourishment. Most are willing to pay to save their beach.
Chris Dixon
November 2, 2007
New York Times
http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE52&NewItemID=True

Resources

http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/oceanography-book/coastalerosion.htm

Coastal erosion topic summary

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/28923.html

Coastal erosion topic summary

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/coastal_management.htm

Ways to combat coastal erosion

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/coastal_erosion.htm

Defining coastal erosion generally

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/coast.htm

Defining the coast and its ecosystems and such

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/e/erosion.htm

Defining erosion

http://www.cclockwood.com/stockimages/coastalerosion.htm

Photographs to get a real sense of coastal erosion

http://www.csc.noaa.gov/beachnourishment/html/geo/shorelin.htm

Beach nourishment topic summary

http://www.nj.gov/dep/shoreprotection/nourishment.htm

Beach nourishment efforts in New Jersey

http://epod.usra.edu/blog/2010/02/beach-erosion-along-new-jersey-coast.html

Coastal erosion impact in New Jersey

3 video clips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NMF1sqfR3Q

Offers a first person look at a specific case of coastal erosion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOOT4w501nM

Offers a more in depth look at another specific case of coastal erosion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6iyrqVkSKI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwaksFUP2Cw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1rzotsqH0k

Documentary about coastal erosion in Norfolk

Science Behind Coastal Erosion

To define coastal erosion, first you must explore its namesake. The “coastal” aspect refers to the part of land adjoining or near the ocean. The coastal area on and off shore is a very important part of a local ecosystem. The mixture of fresh water and salt water in coastal estuaries provides many nutrients for sustaining marine life. Beaches also host a vast diversity of plants, animals, and insects that are crucial to the food chain. Not unlike the ocean, which defines them, coastal areas are environments that are always changing. This leads to the second aspect of the namesake. Sea level rise, bigger waves and other weather issues have caused the erosion and thus reshaping of coasts. The “erosion” aspect deals with the science of geology. Erosion is defined as the displacement of solids (soil, mud, rock and other particles) by wind, water or ice. In the case of coastal erosion, water from storm-generated waves is the source of the erosion. Excessive amounts of coastal erosion can cause problems, such as receiving water sedimentation, or harsh ecosystem damage.

The branch of science that deals with coastal erosion is geology, the study of the physical matter that constitutes the earth. The sub branch of geology that deals more closely with coastal erosion is sequence stratigraphy, a relatively new branch of geology that attempts to link prehistoric sea-level changes to sedimentary deposits. The purpose of sequence stratigraphy is to seek knowledge about the processes by which sedimentary deposits form and how those deposits change over time.

The severity of coastal erosion has been growing steadily over the past few years, and it is thought to be linked to global warming. Global warming is the cause of the melting ice caps and consequently the rise in sea level. Also, global warming could be the cause of harsher storms. With the combined effect of higher sea level and harsher storms, coastal erosion is at an all time high. The harsh storm-generated waves pound into the coastal sedimentary rocks, and progressively remove pieces of rock, eroding it.

Scientists say that coastal erosion is almost inevitable. It has been building up over the years, and so far, there is only one way for it to stop. That one way is not really in human control. Without drastic climate change to halt the rising sea levels and harsh storms, coastal erosion will undoubtedly happen. But, there are processes to drastically slow down the effects of the erosion. There are many scientists working on the topic of coastal management. One method of slowing coastal erosion was by building man-made structures, or walls to combat the waves before they hit the coast. This was effective in the short term, but had adverse effects in the long term, ultimately adding to increased erosion. The best method now, although extremely expensive, is called beach nourishment. This is the process of taking sand and sediment from off shore sites or the ocean floor, and transplanting it to the coast. The question might be posed, “Are the offshore sites badly affected because of this loss of sediment?” It is true that a poorly planned beach nourishment can result in a severely impacted ecosystem, so much caution must be taken.