Defeo, McLachlan et al examine what makes sandy shoreline habitats unique among other types of shorelines. Their article looks at threats to beaches, from weather patterns, to extreme storms, as well as man made structures and failed attempts at beach rehabilitation.
The article makes a point that long-term information about the on-going changes in beach habitats is often hard to come by, and what information can be found is very short-term, geologically speaking. They suggest that in order to properly measure threats to beach habitats, long term studies must be put in place, and these studies must be designed to bring to light which threats are natural and which are anthropogenic. The far-reaching effects of global warming and ocean level rise on sandy shorelines is also …show more content…
Fallon also addresses the cyclical nature of shore-ward moving sand bars as the part they play in wave refraction in causing erosion hot-spots that can quickly put waterfront homes in danger.
Fallon used GIS images, as well as maps that pre-date modern technology to determine the changes over time. From this method he was able to determine that the only part of the island that has shown dramatic change, has been the northern area that is settled, the rest of the island has been stable for 150 years. He also used monthly beach surveys to determine changes currently happening to Plum Island.
In his conclusion, Fallon states that in order to mitigate beach erosion and retain the value of the waterfront real estate, policy makers and residents must take a multidiscipline approach to the issues and consider only options geared towards long term success, and not immediate changes, as they often have the most unintended negative side effects, creating the need for more rashly made
The article makes a point that long-term information about the on-going changes in beach habitats is often hard to come by, and what information can be found is very short-term, geologically speaking. They suggest that in order to properly measure threats to beach habitats, long term studies must be put in place, and these studies must be designed to bring to light which threats are natural and which are anthropogenic. The far-reaching effects of global warming and ocean level rise on sandy shorelines is also …show more content…
Fallon also addresses the cyclical nature of shore-ward moving sand bars as the part they play in wave refraction in causing erosion hot-spots that can quickly put waterfront homes in danger.
Fallon used GIS images, as well as maps that pre-date modern technology to determine the changes over time. From this method he was able to determine that the only part of the island that has shown dramatic change, has been the northern area that is settled, the rest of the island has been stable for 150 years. He also used monthly beach surveys to determine changes currently happening to Plum Island.
In his conclusion, Fallon states that in order to mitigate beach erosion and retain the value of the waterfront real estate, policy makers and residents must take a multidiscipline approach to the issues and consider only options geared towards long term success, and not immediate changes, as they often have the most unintended negative side effects, creating the need for more rashly made