Coastal Components GLY 2030C

Coastal Processes Beach form and process Sand on beaches is not static Cross-shore Sediment Transport Longshore Sediment Transport Erosion factors Most sand supplied by rivers – Damming effects Tropical Cyclones Erosion control structures Some land use planning can minimize human effects Eustatic sea level changes-worldwide, non-tectonic; results from glacial melting and oceanic warming

Longshore Sediment Transport Beaches are referred to as “rivers of sand” because their sediment is constantly in motion. GLY 2030C

Littoral Cells and Sediment Budgets Entire sediment cycle ( delivery, transport, and loss)

Wave Climate Statistical description of wave height, period, and direction

Wave Climate Statistical description of wave height, period, and direction

Wave Climate Numerical Modeling of Wave Energy Flux and LST

Coastal Engineering Coastal erosion -often piece-meal approach Engineering Structures -improve navigation and control erosion Groins-perpendicular to shore; results in “scalloped” beaches Breakwaters -intercept waves Jetties- at mouths of rivers and inlets GLY 2030C

Effects of “hard” solutions GLY 2030C

Effects of “hard” solutions GLY 2030C

“Soft” Solutions Beach nourishment GLY 2030C

Coastal Hazards Perception of and adjustment to coastal hazards Bearing the loss (most common response) Modify potential losses (better code enforcement) “Armored Beaches” vs. “Living with It” Philosophy Coastal erosion is a natural process; problems derive from human structures Any shoreline construction causes changes Stabilization protects the few at the expense of the many Engineering structures destroy the beaches they are designed to protect Shoreline structures start a trend that is difficult, if impossible to reverse GLY 2030C