Week13: Coastal Hazards, Argentina

In the country of Argentina, coastal flood hazard is classified as high according to the information that is currently available. This means that potentially damaging waves are expected to flood the coast at least once in the next 10 years.


Coastal ecosystems are one of the most impacted and altered regions worldwide, both because of natural reasons and because of the large population that is concentrated along the coasts. In Argentina, the problem of coastal erosion is very important as these areas represent 18.33% of the whole territory with 36% of the population living in this area. The Argentine marine coastal areas have an important strategic and economic value as they are the place for industries and ports, as well as commercial, recreational, and touristic activities.



Moreover, as stated by the Second National Communication of Argentina to the UNFCCC coastal zones are potentially within the most vulnerable areas of the country because of erosion. This situation may be even worse in some coastal areas of the province of Buenos Aires Province due to the urbanization process along the coast, increasing the risk of floods with the consequent loss of high extensions of the beach. This is the case of the zone of Monte Hermoso-Bahía Blanca Estuary, which includes the towns of Pehuén Co and Monte Hermoso.

Some of the most common methods to prevent coastal erosion are as follows. Groins, these are long, wall-like structures that are built on beaches and extend into the ocean perpendicular to the shoreline. Jetties, this solution involves constructing a line (2 or more depending on the number of channels) of long structures perpendicular to the coast that reach into the ocean. Breakwaters, these are barriers that are constructed offshore parallel to or at an angle to the shoreline, shown below. Vegetation and strategic planting of vegetation can be used to help control erosion. the roots of coastal plants help to anchor the sand and ensure that it is not carried off in erosion. If Argentina were to follow some of these coastal erosion prevention methods, it would help to temporarily stop or permanently lessen the erosion of its coast.


References:

Think Hazard - Argentina - Coastal flood

Behind the increasing erosion problem: The role of local institutions and social capital on coastal management in Argentina (fit.edu)

Ways to Prevent Beach Erosion | Seawall Professionals of Florida (seawallprosfl.com)



Comments

  1. Sam McCarthyNovember 18, 2022 at 9:17 AM

    Hey Argentina! I loved the effort put into this weeks blog! I also liked how many visuals you gave to give your audience a better understanding. As well as stating all of your references. Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 20, 2022 at 4:03 PM

    Hi there! Great informational post about what Argentina experiences and what they have done to prevent further damage. I was particularly intrigued by the mention of the jetties, which reminds me of the local one we have here in Monterey at the Coast Guard Pier. I never realized the purpose of it until recently when I learned it was created to protect the boats/shoreline from the ocean. Great post.

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