A significant portion of the United States' population lives within the coastal zone, where many buildings and facilities are located at elevations less than ten feet above sea level. These structures are presently vulnerable to storm damage, a hazard that may grow more severe as greenhouse-induced global warming is expected to cause unprecedented rates of sea level rise in the future (NRC, 1987). Despite those potential hazards, the coastal population is burgeoning. Beachfront property is some of the most valuable real estate in the country, often exceeding $10000 per linear foot of shoreline along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast. A lull in hurricane activity in this area since the 1960s has lead to a false sense of security and spurred this tremendous investment in coastal property. Although most coastal areas have been spared from severe storms, beaches are still retreating landward in response to slowly rising sea level. Best estimates are that 90% of the U.S. sandy beaches are presently eroding. The predicted accelerated sea level rise will increase erosion rates and associated problems. Three general responses exist to accelerated sea level rise, (1) retreat from the shore, (2) armour the coast, or (3) nourish the beach. This report assesses the potential of beach nourishment in preference to engineering structures which have high construction and maintence costs. Estimates of sand volumes and costs of beach nourishment are given for various sea level rises. (from authors abstract)
