Results showed that, between 2002 and 2007, an average of 13.6 meters (45 feet) of shoreline disappeared each year, compared to an average annual retreat of 6.8 meters (22 feet) between 1955 and 1979, and an annual loss of 8.7 meters (28.5 feet) between 1979 and 2002. In the summer of 2007, an astounding 25 meters (82 feet) of land fell into the sea in one spot. The images showed that most of the coast is eroding now, compared to fewer isolated sections of just certain types of shoreline in the past. Researchers plan to closely monitor water temperature, sea level, and storms in the area from now on in order to figure out exactly what is responsible for quickening pace of erosion. It's possible, Jones speculated, that warmer sea surface temperatures are melting coastal ice more quickly. Warmer ground temperatures or stronger storms might also have something to do with it. Whatever the cause, wildlife is already facing the consequences. Bird biologists have noticed a shift in the distribution of migratory geese, Jones said. And in one area, images from 1955 showed a freshwater lake near the shore. In 2005, the lake had been breached by salty seawater. "All the animals and plants in that lake belonged to a freshwater ecosystem," Mars said. "By 2005, that has been completely replaced by another whole ecosystem. That's quite an impact." Related Links: |
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