Natural causes of beach erosion.
1. Wave action: Waves can pick up sand and move it along the shore, resulting in the gradual erosion of the beach.
2. Wind: Strong winds can also pick up sand and push it away from the beach, leading to erosion.
3. Storms: Severe storms such as hurricanes can cause significant beach erosion by generating large waves and powerful currents that can displace sand.
4. Sea level rise: As sea levels rise due to climate change, beaches can experience erosion as the water encroaches further inland.
5. Longshore drift: This process involves the movement of sediment along the shore in a zig-zag pattern, which can result in the erosion of beaches over time.
6. Tides: The regular rise and fall of tides can also contribute to beach erosion by shifting sand and sediment along the coast.
7. Human activities: Intensive development along the coast, construction of seawalls or jetties, and sand mining can also contribute to beach erosion by disrupting natural coastal processes.