USGS - science for a changing world

USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program

Historical Shoreline Changes at Rincón, Puerto Rico, 1936-2006


Conclusions

Skip past contents information

The coast of Rincón is most likely eroding as a result of natural and human-induced causes. The coast in Reach A appears to be relatively stable, probably because a rocky substrate underlies the thin, sandy beach and because human intervention in coastal processes has not occurred. The history of shoreline changes in Reach B is highly complex as a result of the varied geologic setting, in addition to physical processes such as waves and currents, and human modification of the shoreline. Together, these factors preclude definitive identification of causality. Continued hard stabilization over time most likely will ultimately result in the disappearance of the beaches in Rincón. The long-term trend of erosion in Reach C can be expected to continue. It is also possible that continued hard stabilization in Reach B will reduce the sediment supply to Reach C, resulting in increased erosion rates. The same is true in presently stable Reach D; ongoing hard stabilization in Reaches B and C may lead to reduced sediment supply and an increase in erosion rates. Future management plans for the Rincón shoreline will ideally include consideration of the potential impacts of various management strategies, as well as future sea-level rise and climate change.

Skip Navigation

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey | Coastal and Marine Geology

URL: cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/publications/of2007-1017/htmldocs/conclusion.html
Page Contact Information: CMGDS Team
Page Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2017 13:09:12 EST