Shoreline retreat and beach nourishment are projected to increase in Southern California

Sandy beaches in Southern California are experiencing increasing coastal erosion due to climate change and urban growth. This study forecasts shoreline retreat rates and the required sand nourishment volumes for the coming decades using photogrammetric methods and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). Findings indicate that shoreline retreat rates will accelerate, requiring a substantial increase in beach nourishment, with associated costs potentially increasing fivefold by 2050. These trends highlight the escalating challenges faced by coastal communities globally, particularly in semi-arid regions.

Oula Amrouni, Essam Heggy, Abderraouf Hzami