Coastal Erosion

Massive Waves Batter California Coast, One Dead

“Don’t go to the beach,” the warnings screamed, a stark counterpoint to the breathtaking, terrifying power of the massive waves pounding the California coast. One person tragically lost their life, a grim reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable fury. The sheer scale of the event was shocking; videos circulated showing sections of the Santa Cruz pier, once a symbol of coastal resilience, splintering and disappearing into the churning water. Entire buildings were depicted adrift, tossed about like toys in a bathtub, their foundations ripped apart by the unrelenting assault of the waves.

The storm’s impact wasn’t confined to a single location. Reports from across Northern California described waves of unprecedented size, even for seasoned residents.… Continue reading

A geological feature called the ‘Double Arch’ in southern Utah has collapsed

The collapse of a geological feature known as the “Double Arch” in southern Utah has left many in shock and disbelief. The Double Arch, also known as the “Toilet Bowl,” was a stunning rock formation formed from Navajo sandstone dating back 190 million years. Erosion, caused by harsh weather conditions and natural processes, led to the eventual collapse of this iconic arch.

It’s fascinating to think about the sheer age of the rock that made up the Double Arch, standing for millions of years before meeting its untimely demise. This event serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our world and the impermanence of even the most enduring geological formations.… Continue reading

US town’s $565,000 sand dune project washed away in days

I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief at the news of the US town’s $565,000 sand dune project being washed away in just a matter of days. It seems almost comical how individuals trucked in massive amounts of sand, thinking it would protect their seaside homes, only to watch it disappear with the tide. The irony of the situation is almost poetic in its own right – a failed attempt to defy nature’s forces with nothing more than loose piles of sand.

It’s baffling that these homeowners didn’t consider the long-term effects of their actions. True coastal sand dunes are vital for beach stabilization, yet what they created were nothing more than temporary mounds of sand.… Continue reading

In a drastic attempt to protect their beachfront homes, residents in Salisbury, Massachusetts, invested $500,000 in a sand dune to defend against encroaching tides. After being completed last week, the barrier made from 14,000 tons of sand lasted just 72 hours before it was completely washed away.

As I read about the residents of Salisbury, Massachusetts who invested $500,000 in a sand dune to protect their beachfront homes, I couldn’t help but shake my head at the sheer audacity of their decision. Who in their right mind would think that a pile of sand could stand a chance against the relentless power of the ocean? The comments left me both bemused and exasperated, with many pointing out the folly of using sand as an erosion control measure. It seems like common sense, doesn’t it? Sand washes away, that’s just what sand does when faced with the might of the tides.… Continue reading