Earth Sciences

Coastal sedimentation across North America doubled in the 20th century despite river dams

A. B. Rodriguez, B. A. Mckee, et al.

Discover how coastal sediment accumulation rates in North America have surged since 1950, defying expectations. This groundbreaking research by A. B. Rodriguez, B. A. McKee, C. B. Miller, M. C. Bost, and A. N. Atencio highlights the critical role of downstream sediment sources and emphasizes the urgent need for effective sediment management in restoring coastal habitats.

00:00

Playback language: English

Index

Abstract

Contrary to the expectation that dam construction since 1950 would starve coasts of sediment, this study reveals that coastal sediment accumulation rates in North America more than doubled after 1950. Downstream sediment sources, compensating for sediment trapped in reservoirs, are identified as the primary cause. While sediment accumulation keeps pace with relative sea-level rise in many areas, rapidly subsiding regions like Texas and Louisiana experience increasing water depths and habitat loss. The study underscores the need for coastal sediment management in habitat restoration projects.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Jun 26, 2020

Authors

A. B. Rodriguez, B. A. McKee, C. B. Miller, M. C. Bost, A. N. Atencio