Researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have produced a model of coastal erosion based on the impacts of expected sea level rise by the end of the century.
The Associated Press reports the findings of a new prediction model produced by the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) that predicts dramatic impacts for the coastal beaches of Southern California. The new study says that sea level rise could erode between 31 and 67 percent of beaches—erosion back to the point of coastal infrastructure or the sea cliffs that make up much of the coast.
The USGS released the study, which has also been accepted by the American Geophysical Union's Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. The USGS website provides additional information on the study. The percentages listed above only tell part of the story: "future predictions indicate that nearly all of the beaches will experience erosion (will get smaller) due to accelerated sea-level rise."
The USGS website also notes the critical role of beaches in the Southern California economy. USGS geologist and study co-author Patrick Barnard is quoted saying, "we will have to perform massive and costly interventions to preserve these beaches in the future under the erosive pressures of anticipated sea level rise, or risk losing many of the economic and protective benefits beaches provide."
FULL STORY: Disappearing Beaches: Modeling Shoreline Change in Southern California
SoCal Leaders Debate Moving Coastal Rail Line
Train tracks running along the Pacific Ocean are in danger from sea level rise, but residents are divided on how to fix the problem.
Storms Sever California Rail Line—Again
The coast-hugging rail corridor linking Los Angeles and San Diego faces an uncertain future as mudslides once again force part of the line to close.
Southern California Rail Corridor In Danger From Erosion, Lack of Leadership
With a patchwork of management and local agencies involved, the imperiled rail corridor has no unified plan for improving or relocating tracks impacted by coastal erosion.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie