Week 13: Coastal Erosion

Coastal Erosion

 Argentina has a long coastline stretching over 4,900 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the main risks for coastal erosion in Argentina include Natural processes, Climate change, and Human activities.

Natural processes: Wave energy, the availability of sediment, and sea level rise all have an impact on the natural process of coastal erosion. Strong wave energy that can erode the shoreline and result in the destruction of beaches and dunes can be found along Argentina's coastline.

Climate change: Argentine coastal erosion may get worse due to rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and altered precipitation patterns brought on by global warming. The nation's shallow coastal regions and major cities, which are especially prone to flooding and erosion, make it more vulnerable to these effects.

Human activities: Other human activities that might cause coastal erosion include fishing, sand mining, and coastal development. While sand mining can eliminate important sediment sources that sustain beach and dune stability, coastal development can change natural sediment transport and supply. Additionally, overfishing can cause damage and weaken coastal habitats.

Overall, it is important for Argentina to carefully manage its coastal resources and implement strategies to mitigate the risks of erosion. This may include measures such as beach nourishment, sediment management, and coastal zoning to protect sensitive areas from development and other activities.

 

Coastal erosion is a significant concern for many communities living along this coastline, particularly in areas where there is high human activity and infrastructure. Here are some of the mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of coastal erosion in Argentina:

Beach nourishment: This process involves adding sand to eroded beaches to restore their size and shape. While it works well in the short term, it needs constant upkeep.

Beach zoning: To lessen the impact of human activity on the shoreline, defined areas are created for various activities including swimming, surfing, and fishing. It can also lessen erosion and conserve natural habitats.

Restoration of dunes: Dunes serve as a natural barrier against erosion in coastal locations. Erosion risk can be decreased by restoring dunes by stabilizing sand and adding plants. 

https://www.britannica.com/place/Argentina#:~:text=Its%20undulating%20Atlantic%20coastline%20stretches,%2C%20the%20Pampas%2C%20and%20Patagonia.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0895981123001530

https://coastalcare.org/2019/01/argentina-the-atlantic-coast-loses-two-meters-of-beach-per-year/