Coastal Processes

[Example Photos provided in the links below]

Coastal hazards that impact the Southern California coast with direct human consequences include: cliff and bluff retreat, shoreline erosion and beach loss, and inundation from large waves, extreme storms, tsunamis, sea-level rise, and subsidence.

In addition to these natural hazards, large segments of the Southern California coast have been impacted by extensive human activities such as: harbor construction, dredge operations, and dam building; which traps sediment and deprives the coast of beach sand. Engineering structures which modify local sediment transport processes include breakwaters, groins, seawalls/ revetments, and cliff stabilization.