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The power of waves: how to quietly change coastlines?
Coastline changes are the result of the dance between the internal forces of nature and the external environment. Factors such as waves, tides and sea breezes work together to shape the coastal landscape we are familiar with. However, with climate change and global warming, sea level rise is becoming more and more serious, and coastal erosion areas are gradually expanding. This has undoubtedly become one of the important issues facing the world.
According to a report by the Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), rising sea levels will intensify coastal erosion worldwide and significantly change the appearance of coastal and low-lying coastal areas.
Coastal erosion is the loss or displacement of land caused by the long-term impact of natural forces such as waves, ocean currents, tides and wind-driven currents. Erosion often affects coastlines in different ways, such as water scouring, wind erosion, etc. When waves hit steep cliffs, air is compressed in the cracks, which over time puts pressure on the surrounding rock, eventually causing the rock to break and drain.
The power of erosion
The power of erosion mainly comes from the waves themselves. In the process, the kinetic energy of the water continues to erode the structure of the rock wall, creating various terrains, such as tunnels, bridges, and pillars. And when waves push loose rock fragments toward each other, they collide with each other, resulting in smaller, smoother fragments.
From a marine chemistry perspective, acidic substances in seawater can dissolve certain types of rocks, such as chalk and limestone, which is also an important factor in erosion.
Factors affecting erosion rate
The rate of coastal erosion is affected by many factors, including wave power, rock hardness, and the shape of the seabed. When waves hit the coast with huge kinetic energy, the shape and energy of the waves affect their ability to erode rock, which can behave differently in different areas.
For example, in some areas of the U.S. East Coast, erosion has become more severe in recent decades as sea levels rise. This is particularly true in Florida, where counties have increased budgets to replenish beach sand that attracts tourists to combat the effects of erosion and support the local multi-billion dollar tourism industry.
Methods to control erosion
Solutions to coastal erosion can be roughly divided into three categories: hard control, soft control and resettlement. Hard control methods, such as seawalls and breakwaters, are often more permanent solutions, but often require repair and reconstruction, and their construction is controversial.
However, these structures will have a great impact on the natural form of the coastline and may cause more serious erosion problems, so many experts have called for diversified solutions to be considered.
The concept of living coastline
In recent years, the concept of "living coastline" has begun to receive attention. The scheme involves using plants and natural elements to protect the coast. These natural barriers not only effectively absorb wave energy, but also improve water quality and enhance biodiversity.
Natural environments such as a fifteen-foot-long mangrove forest that absorbs fifty percent of the energy of an incoming wave help resist erosion.
Rebuilding the coast and moving seaside houses further inland will undoubtedly be a longer-term and more effective strategy. Through such relocation measures, not only the infrastructure is protected, but the natural landscape of coastal communities can be restored.
Future challenges
With the various challenges brought about by climate change, more and more countries and regions are facing coastline erosion problems. More frequent storms and erosion caused by rising sea levels will require thoughtful planning and action by governments and communities.
In this rapidly changing world, how do we keep our coastlines intact and healthy?
