Buff Up the Beaches

Climate change is a serious problem. For many people, though, it hasn't really hit home as a reality — except during the summer. That's when so many Americans head for the (fast-eroding) beach.

Beaches erode, climate change or not. And barrier beaches, like those that stretch along the Atlantic coast of the United States, erode especially quickly. In places like Myrtle Beach, SC, the beloved dunes are in real danger of destruction.

A group of geologists, though, have been hanging out at the beach intent on managing the erosion of Myrtle Beach — and they think they may have the answer.

There's no way to stop the wind and sea from eroding the beach. But beaches can be replenished with sand from other places. The key to making beach replenishment work is finding sandy sources that won't undermine other ecosystems.

Paul Gayes, director of Coastal Carolina University's Center for Marine and Wetland Studies, explains that his seven-year study can provide a plan that allows beach replenishment without damage to other habitats. And in a EurekAlert article he explains why he believes his work will provide a model for the whole country:

"From inventory of potential future beach nourishment sand resources, to distribution of important hardbottom fish habitat, to models of beach behavior, this study forms the starting point for many present and future efforts. This work is regularly cited as a model approach and result for similar studies and efforts around the country."

If Gayes is right, while climate change may raise the water level along the coasts, it's unlikely to wipe out our beaches. And if we can still hang at the beach, all is not lost!

Photo courtesy of stock.xchng