Why Is Coastal Erosion Risky and What Is It?

Coastal erosion is the process of intense wave action, rising local ocean levels, and coastal flooding carrying rocks, soils, and sands along the beach. It can also be called an abrasion.

Let's watch the video below to learn more about the process of coastal erosion.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OakY1B3TQAo

From the video above, we know the erosion process, such as:

• Hydraulic Action, when the water's force hits rocks, cliffs, or shorelines, it will compress the air in the material, causing cracks. Eventually, the material will be dislodged and carried away by the sea.
• Abrasion, where the material carried by sea was carried away by a strong wave and then hit the cliff, causing more material to be eroded and carried away by the sea.
• Attrition, where the material carried by sea collided in the water and broke into smaller pieces. Then rounded edges are formed when they collide with each other.

The erosion is risky because it can reduce soil fertility, cause the degradation of plant and animal habitats, shrink coastal areas, cause land loss and property damage, and even impact human health, such as skin and digestive tract diseases due to polluted water. So, now that we know why coastal erosion is risky, let's protect our beaches from erosion!

References:

Geological Survey Ireland. (n.d.). Coastal Erosion - Geological Survey Ireland. Coastal erosion. Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/geoscience-topics/natural-hazards/Pages/Coastal-Erosion.aspx

Reyes, P. D. L. (2021, October 7). The impact of coastal erosion on seaside communities. One Green Planet. Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/the-impact-of-coastal-erosion-on-seaside-communities/

U.S Climate Resilience Toolkit. (2021, April 1). U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. Coastal Erosion | U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://toolkit.climate.gov/topics/coastal-flood-risk/coastal-erosion