Term Paper on "Coasts Are the Dynamic Junction"

Term Paper 3 pages (1204 words) Sources: 1+

[EXCERPT] . . . .

In most places where they exist, these features are increasingly being lost to human development. (ENS, 2004)

The natural process of coastline involves a complex dynamics of many different forces of nature working collectively to create any coastline. What is eroded from one area is generally deposited in another. Longshore currents for example are primarily responsible for moving large volumes of sand that help build barrier reefs and erode them as well. Rip tides or undertows can also significantly change the continental shelf of the coastline. Excessive erosion can result in a steep continental shelf in the region. The different types of tides (high tide and low tide) also determine the extent of the coastline formation that takes place. Where the water temperature differs significantly between summer and winter the intensity of the wave action might also change based on seasons. Storms and hurricane can also create surges that are abnormally high and the intensity of these tides can cause concentrated damages to coastlines in the area. (Wernicke, 2004)

Seasonal changes that depend upon melting snow and glacial activity along coastlines that are in frigid locations can change the salinity of the seawater and change wave activity and currents in the region. This can introduce seasonal changes in the manner in which either erosion or deposition occurs in the region. The picture in the appendix shows that the coastline of the U.S. has changed significantly over the years. While some changes are observed in a short period of time (the break up of the barrier reef during the hurricane), some take thousands of years to occur. (Richmond, 2004)

Tectonic movements and the changes in the sea floor, along with undersea volcanoes can create waves and currents that can cause damages. The slope of the coastline can also impact the extent of damages that can result. Steeply sloping coastlines are less resistance to water-level rise and wave action. Gradual sloping coastlines have the ability to absorb shocks and wave action much better than steeply sloping coastlines.

The building of seawalls, groins or jetties and dredging of the coastlines to support human activity is aggressively changing coastlines much faster than any of the natural methods. Mapping and documenting the coastline is essential (FEMA, 2004)These manmade barriers have the ability to save properties and business from damages by wave action but they can also cause extensive damages on the seaward side of the barriers built. Sand dunes have been level to improve beaches and waterfront properties this has reduce the barriers that wind and surf have available when moving inland.

It is a fact that coastlines will continue to change and evolve is fact. Ensuring that man-made influence does not negatively impact it is important.

Bibliography

http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press359.htmENS. (2004). Europe's Coastlines Eroding Into the Sea. Environmental News Service. Retrieved December 5, 2004, from the World Wide Web:

FEMA. (2004). Significant Losses From Coastal Erosion Anticipated Along U.S. Coastlines. Retrieved December 5, 2004, from the World Wide Web: http://www.fema.gov/nwz00/erosion.shtm

Richmond, Bruce. (2004). Effects of Major Storms on Pacific Islands. U.S. Geological Survey; Marine and Coastal Geology Program. Retrieved December 5, 2004, from the World Wide Web: http://marine.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/pacificstorms/pacific.html

UNESCO. (2004). Beach erosion in Anguilla. Retrieved December 5, 2004, from the World Wide Web: http://www.unesco.org/csi/act/cosalc/projec10.htm

USGS. (2004). Coastal Changes. Retrieved December 5, 2004, from the World Wide Web: http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1075/intro.html

Wernicke, Carl. (2004, September 26). Ivan's effect on beach 'Camille-like'. Pensacola News Journal.http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/news/html/7347BCED-C48A-4ACA-94C6-8213DDE659B2.shtml

Pictures obtained from (USGS, 2004) READ MORE

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