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Have you ever thought about sea level rise and beach erosion in Hawaii?

A concerning phenomenon that is happening right now in Hawaii is the increasing rate of sea level rise and beach erosion occurring at the same time.

Particularly on the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Maui.

Oahu and Maui are prime areas to investigate shoreline trends in relation to sea level rise because over the last few decades there have high levels of beach erosion and sea level rise in these areas.

In conclusion, global warming is causing sea level rise which in turn is causing beaches to erode.

What can sea level rise and beach erosion impact in Oahu and Maui?

  • Oahu and Maui's main economic source is tourism and it could be in great danger if sea level rise and beach erosion continues.
  • The shorelines of these islands serve as a buffer for the islands and protects many homes and businesses.
  • The natural habitat of many animals on beaches could be destroyed/washed away due to sea level rise and beach erosion.

This is the rising rate of sea level rise that has occurred over the past century in Maui and Oahu.

A detailed map displaying beach erosion and sea level rise rates on Maui and Oahu.

Want to learn more?

Links & Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/24/hawaii-beach-erosion-study_n_6936036.html

http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/May-2014/Hawaii-Already-Seeing-Effects-of-Climate-Change/

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Aug/06/ln/FP608060345.html

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921818113001513

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/28607035/coastal-erosion-in-hawaii-to-worsen-by-mid-century

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/23320391/study-shows-hawaii-beaches-are-eroding-at-alarming-rate

Video link: www.dailymotion.com/video/x2kl969

Comparing Oahu and Maui

More Alarming Consequences

Even though Oahu and Maui are both experiencing beach erosion, Maui beaches are eroding at a much faster rate.

Maui is experiencing the greatest rate of beach erosion over the last century with 78% of beaches eroding compared to 52% on Oahu.

Sea level rise is 65% higher on Maui when compared to Oahu.

In the next 25 to 30 years , Hawaii shores could lose up to 100 feet of beach.

A real-life consequence of beach erosion in Hawaii.

BEACH EROSION

SEA LEVEL RISE

How is Beach Erosion Measured?

Sea Level Rise Around the World

According to a new study, beach erosion can be calculated by "....using photogrammetic and geographic information system (GIS) software from orthorectified aerial photo mosaics and topographic hydrographic survey charts." (Romine et al. 2013 )

What is being done?

Global sea level rise is determined by many factors. As global warming continues at full force, temperatures rise and water molecules expand causing sea level rise.

Sea level rise is poorly documented on coasts around the world.

Another Measuring Technique

Sea grass

Sea wall

Groins

The single-transect (ST) method (marking where something has changed over a period of time) is the most commonly used method for calculating beach erosion rates.

Detailing the amount of beach erosion in Hawaii with the use of GIS.

There are a few solutions in place to solve this problem:

  • Building sea walls (quite expensive!)
  • Placing 'Groins' along the coast (used to break up waves so they do not go far up the land)
  • Planting sea grass (traps the sand and prevents it from drifting back out to sea)

The single transect method (ST) being used on a beach.

"Globally-averaged sea-level rose at about 2 mm/yr over the past century." (pg. 149)

Beach Erosion Around the World

There have not been many studies discussing if sea level rise is an important factor on beach erosion on coasts around the world.

What Can You do to Help?

Sea Level Rise/Beach Erosion in Hawaii

PSA

Beach erosion has been linked to multiple sources:

  • Sea level rise
  • Rock erosion
  • Human activities
  • Onshore winds
  • Longshore transport
  • Join environmental project organizations
  • Contact government officials to discuss this ongoing issue
  • Be aware of your negative habits while on the beach as well
  • Create your own call to action!

By Nandi Bryan

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