Narrowing beach width signals coastal vulnerability, triggering urgent action.
Beach width is an important factor in assessing coastal vulnerability to climate change in San Diego. Narrowing beach width can indicate long-term erosion or permanent loss of beaches, which can impact coastal homes and infrastructure. A study analyzed 8 years of beach width data from two locations in San Diego and found that factors like El Nino seasons and beach nourishments can affect beach width variability. Monitoring beach width trends can help identify deviations from the norm and trigger adaptive responses to protect coastal areas from hazards like king tides and sea-level rise.