Why do we protect coastlines

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A megafire induced over a century's worth of erosion near Utah Lake—but there's more to the story, say scientists 18 hours ago. Oct 22, Load comments 0. Let us know if there is a problem with our content.

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Perhaps the most widely applied shoreline technique is to harden the shore or bluff with some type of fixed structure such as a bulkhead, seawall, or revetment Figure The primary goal of hardening the shore is to protect the coast from wave attack by creating a barrier to the erosive forces. Severe erosion leads to flooding, building loss, and road damage. If you already own a beachfront home or live on any type of coastal bank, it is important to inspect your property and evaluate levels of coastal bank deterioration after storms and with each change of season.

If you have concerns about erosion, consider engaging an experienced professional. Should your property be prone to erosion and at risk, you may need to more forward with a shorefront protection plan.

If so, your licensed marine engineer can also:. With an understanding of a property's historical response to erosion; knowledge of what is currently in place to protect the shoreline; details about what has been approved to stabilize the shoreline and associated cost ; and a desire to work cooperatively with the shorelines' natural cycles, the sandy shores of Cape Cod and the Islands can be enjoyed for many years.

Contact Roger Michniewicz. Fiber Roll. Rock Revetment. Beach Nourishment:. Coming in the Next Issue: Erosion Snapshot. Adjacent properties along a coastal bluff on Cape Cod illustrate various systems of coastal bank stabilization.

While some property owners were permitted to use "hard solutions" in their shoreline protection systems, others were only able to implement "soft solution" stabilization methods based on dates of construction and environmental regulations.

Roger P. Michniewicz, P. Professional Engineering Society Links.