Coastal Erosion Examples
Here are some examples of coastal erosion from around the world:
- Louisiana, USA: The coastline of Louisiana is experiencing rapid erosion due to a combination of factors, including subsidence, sea level rise, and human activities such as oil and gas extraction and the construction of levees. This erosion has led to the loss of thousands of acres of land, including valuable wetlands and barrier islands.
- The Sundarbans, Bangladesh and India: The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, is facing significant erosion due to rising sea levels, sedimentation, and human activities such as deforestation and shrimp farming. Coastal communities in the Sundarbans are experiencing increased vulnerability to flooding and storm surges as a result of erosion.
- Happisburgh, United Kingdom: The coastline of Happisburgh in Norfolk, England, is eroding at an alarming rate, with cliffs receding by several meters each year. This erosion has led to the loss of homes, roads, and historic landmarks, including the 12th-century church of St. Mary’s.
- The Maldives: The low-lying islands of the Maldives are highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Erosion is exacerbated by factors such as coral reef degradation, sand mining, and coastal development. The Maldives government has implemented measures such as beach nourishment and the construction of seawalls to mitigate erosion.
- Great Ocean Road, Australia: The coastline along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is experiencing erosion due to wave action, storms, and sea level rise. This erosion has resulted in the loss of coastal cliffs and rock formations, including the famous Twelve Apostles.
Coastal Erosion
Coastal Erosion is the wearing away of the land near the coastline. It removes sediments from beaches, dunes, cliffs, and coastal wetlands, mainly due to wind, waves, high tides, and storms. Coastal erosion is a natural process that shapes the world’s coastline but is also a significant environmental issue.
This article will focus on the causes, types, impacts, case studies, management studies, and some interesting facts related to coastal erosion.
Let’s explore!