Statewide High-Resolution Assessment of California Coastal Cliff Erosion and Retreat

In this project, the scientist will lead an effort to measure and map recent coastal cliff erosion and retreat along most of the California coast, using aerial laser survey data collected in 1998, 2002 and 2010. Recent hot spots of erosion will be identified and examined for any spatial erosion patterns relating to bluff composition, coastal settings and other factors such as coastal armoring and wave exposure. The scientist will assess whether there have been changes in erosion rates over time by comparing laser-based contemporary cliff retreat rates to published long-term historical ones. Results will provide a baseline for future coastal erosion studies and may shed light on the future of, and processes shaping, California’s coastline.