Coastal Erosion- Causes, Datasets and Mitigation

Coastal erosion is a complex physical process which involves the movement of sediments in both cross-shore and alongshore directions. Sediment movement occurs under waves, currents, and even the wind. Sandy beaches are complex dynamic environments that are constantly in motion due to typical and episodic storm events. There are many Federal and State level datasets available to users when working on coastal erosion projects. Communicating the net movement of sediment has traditionally involved leveraging historically known positions of the shoreline or bluff edge and developing a rate of land loss or gain. Some of these data sets are the basis of regulatory frameworks while others are provided to ensure that individuals are aware of the risks of the shoreline. There are many ways to stem the impacts of coastal erosion and current state-of-the-science is around implementing nature-based solutions. This breakout section will introduce fundamental principles of coastal erosion, discuss data that is available from various sources to support analysis, and some examples of strategies that are being used to mitigate erosion.

Presented by Brian Caufield, P.E., CFM, PMP, BC.CE, CDM Smith