Regional shoreline change and coastal erosion hazards in Arctic Alaska

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Abstract

Historical shoreline positions along the mainland Beaufort Sea coast of Alaska were digitized and analyzed to determine the long-term rate of change. Average shoreline change rates and ranges from 1947 to the mid-2000s were determined every 50 meters between Barrow and Demarcation Point, at the U.S.-Canadian border. Results show that shoreline change rates are highly variable along the coast, with an average regional shoreline change rate of-2.0 m/yr and localized rates of up to -19 m/yr. The highest erosion rates were observed at headlands, points, and associated with breached thermokarst lakes. Areas of accretion were limited, and generally associated with spit extension and minor beach accretion. In general, erosion rates increase from east to west, with overall higher rates east of Harrison Bay.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Regional shoreline change and coastal erosion hazards in Arctic Alaska
ISBN 9780784411858
DOI 10.1061/41185(417)24
Year Published 2011
Language English
Contributing office(s) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 15 p.
Larger Work Type Conference Paper
Larger Work Subtype Conference Paper
Larger Work Title Solutions to Coastal Disasters 2011 - Proceedings of the 2011 Solutions to Coastal Disasters Conference
First page 258
Last page 272
Conference Title 2011 Solutions to Coastal Disasters Conference
Conference Location Anchorage, AK
Conference Date June 25-29, 2011
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Beaufort Sea coast
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