Grassy turf extends out over a wave-cut notch. Taken on August 9, 2007, the photo on the left shows how ocean waves have undercut the land nearest the shore. These photos show an area near Drew Point, along Alaska's northern coast. Information is also available on various forms of Storm-Induced Coastal Change. Geological Survey's Coastal Change Hazards Portal offers a Coastal Vulnerability Index that can help identify locations where coastal erosion may occur along undeveloped coastlines. Increases in storm frequency and intensity in the future will also cause increased coastal erosion. If we let the shoreline migrate naturally, we can expect to see erosion rates increase, especially in regions of the coast that are already dealing with starved sediment budgets and rapid shoreline migration. If we choose to build hard structures in an attempt to keep the shoreline position stable, we will lose beach area due to scour. Sea level rise will cause an increase in coastal erosion and the human response will be critical. In undeveloped areas, these high recession rates are not likely to cause significant concern, but in heavily populated locations, one or two feet of coastal erosion may be considered catastrophic. Severe storms can remove wide beaches, along with substantial dunes, in a single event. ![]() Average coastline recession rates of 25 feet per year are not uncommon on some barrier islands in the Southeast, and rates of 50 feet per year have occurred along the Great Lakes. ![]() While coastal erosion affects all regions of the United States, erosion rates and potential impacts are highly localized. Cliff erosion is a common storm-induced hazard along the West Coast.
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