Shoreline Erosion
Triggers of Major Erosive Events:
Strong wave action especially during periods of high lake levels
Coastal Flooding
Large storm events can cause massive movements in short periods of time
What Causes Shoreline Erosion?
Coastal erosion otherwise known as shoreline recession, shoreline erosion, or beach loss are present along many of the shorelines in Lake Superior. Because of the great depth of the lake as it was carved out by glaciers, the edges of the lake are constantly eroding the shores and widening the lake as time progresses. These happen through a number of erosion processes along the shoreline.
Abrasion (corrasion) - sand, pebbles, or rocks, in advancing waves that rub against the land surface and scrape or break other particles
Hydraulic Action - the forces of the waves themselves strike the surface of a cliff or slope, exerting pressure on the rock and also forcing air to be compressed in the cracks rock or land surface
Attrition - when rocks transported by water strike against bedrock or each other causing erosion
Things to Look for that Indicate a Shoreline is Susceptible to Erosion
Slopes with soils that are primarily comprised of sand and gravel
Wetlands that are close to or on the property
Water that seeps or flows out of a bluff or bank on the shore
Land at the top of a slope that is lower than the land around it
Trees and large shrubs on the slope
leaning toward the waterCracks or “wrinkles” on or around slopes can indicate shifts in land towards the body of water
Large exposed soil surfaces on the slopes
Miniature troughs or larger gullies on slopes
Exposed lengths of drain pipe, or foundations of stairs/other structures