By Susan Miskelly
Information on Beach Erosion in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The greater Myrtle
beach area covers a 60-mile strip of the South Carolina coast. Known as the Grand Strand, it's a popular vacation spot for families, golfers and bargain shoppers. The development boom (along with the occasional hurricane) has led to widespread beach erosion. South Carolina has taken many steps to reclaim its coastline, ensuring that Myrtle Beach will be a vacation destination for many years to come.
Seasonal Erosion
According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's (DHEC) Ocean and Coastal Resource Management group, seasonal erosion occurs naturally on the Grand Strand due to the changes in wave action. Waves tend to be stronger in the winter; that's when they pull sand from the beach. This action is reversed in the summer, when smaller waves bring the sand back up from sandbars offshore.
Erosion in Myrtle Beach
beaches in the city of Myrtle Beach experience an average erosion of 6 inches per year due to these seasonal factors, as well as the geology of the area. A major nourishment project in 1997 has helped preserve this part of the Grand Strand.
Erosion in Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove is one of several communities that make up the city of North Myrtle Beach. It has experienced more severe erosion over the years, with erosion continuing to occur even after re-nourishment in the late 1990s.
Erosion on Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island lies near the southernmost end of the Grand Strand. A public access parking lot on the southern part of the island is threatened by erosion, and nearby houses are deemed to have little protection by DHEC's 2008 "State of the Beaches" report.
Most Erosional Beaches
The southern Pawleys Island area is the only Grand Strand beach to make DHEC's list of most erosional beaches for 2008.
Prevention/Solution
South Carolina continues to take action to help control erosion on the Grand Strand. A new re-nourishment project began in 2008, and discussions are underway to determine how development should be regulated in North Myrtle Beach and other areas.
Cost
Approximately 50 million has been spent on beach re-nourishment on the Grand Strand. This is part of an over $100 million investment towards beach preservation throughout South Carolina.
Resources
About the Author:
Susan Miskelly is a freelance writer and editor living in Rock Hill, South Carolina. A graduate of Converse College, she writes about travel, photography and technology for Demand Studios, is a published children's writer and has diverse experiences in corporate and nonprofit communications and publicity.
Photo Credits:
Susan Miskelly
