Natural Hazards

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Page 115 of 524 Natural Hazards Coastal Erosion Earthquakes Floods Landslides Severe Weather Drought Windstorms Winter Storms Tsunamis Volcanic Ashfall Wildfires Page 116 of 524 Coastal Erosion Introduction The Pacific Northwest (PNW) coast of Oregon is without doubt one of the most dynamic coastal landscapes in North America, evident by its long sandy beaches, sheer coastal cliffs, dramatic headlands and vistas, and ultimately the power of the Pacific Ocean that serves to erode and change the shape of the coast. Beaches and coastal bluffs are some of the most dynamic landforms, changing in response to waves, nearshore currents, tides, rain, and wind. The most important Natural variables that influence changes to the shape and width of the beach and ultimately its stability are the beach sand budget (balance of sand entering and leaving the system) and the processes (waves, currents, tides, and wind) that drive the changes.

coastal erosion and flood hazards. It is the combined effect of these processes that leads to the erosion of coastal dunes and bluffs, causing them to retreat landward.

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