Coastal Issues and Sea Level Rise

Shoreline change, the landward and seaward migration of the water line, is a natural process. Shorelines flux landward and seaward by varying distances over seasonal and geologic timescales. Erosion is the landward movement of the waterline and subsequent loss of the dry shoreline. Erosion in itself is not a problem. The problem arises when human development and natural habitat are threatened by erosion. The position of the water line changes under the influence of natural processes such as currents and Sea Level Rise (SLR). Humans affect shoreline position as we stabilize inlets with jetties and armor shorelines to protect upland development. Often, the factors affecting shoreline change are codependent. The causes of erosion, including SLR and its effects on other factors, are important considerations as humans maintain and continue coastal development.