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 water

  • Cracks 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

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