New Study Reveals California's Coastal Cliffs Eroding Faster Than Thought

California's coastal cliffs are eroding faster than we thought. New research reveals hotspots and provides tools for better coastal planning.

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2025 October 3 . 1:07 AM

1 min read

In this image I can see few trees, buildings, mountains, bench, sky and few boats on the... — In this image I can see few trees, buildings, mountains, bench, sky and few boats on the water-surface.

New Study Reveals California's Coastal Cliffs Eroding Faster Than Thought

A groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Adam P. Young of the U.S. Geological Survey, has shed new light on the erosion of California's coastal cliffs. The research, published in Nature Communications in 2018, uses high-resolution data to track the retreat of these cliffs over time, providing valuable insights for coastal management and community safety.

The study, titled 'The cliff–beach continuum: Extracting coastal cliff retreat rates from topographic data in southern and central California', utilized LiDAR data from 1998 to 2015 to measure changes in the state's coastal cliffs. This marked the first time such comprehensive, high-resolution data was used to analyze coastal cliff retreat statewide. The research revealed that most California cliffs are slowly eroding, with average rates of about 60 cm per year, although there are significant regional variations.

The study identified erosional hotspots in central and Southern California, including areas like Rancho Palos Verdes, Point Arguello, Big Sur, and Martin Beach. It also found high retreat rates in Northern California locations such as Usal Beach, King Range, Centerville Beach, McNeil Creek area, and near the Klamath River. The data from this study is accessible to the public via the California Coastal Cliff Erosion Viewer, a tool designed for coastal planning and decision-making.

Dr. Young's pioneering work has significantly enhanced our understanding of coastal stability and erosion processes in California. His latest study, published in Geomorphology, builds on the earlier research, using advanced machine-learning techniques to improve model predictions. Looking ahead, Dr. Young is leading a new program to accelerate the science behind coastal bluff failures, authorized through State Assembly bill AB-66. This ongoing research aims to better protect communities and critical infrastructure along California's dynamic coastline.