coastal erosion
Erosion after Hurricane Irene (2011) and Tropical Storm Alberto (2012) on Folly Beach, SC. © SCDHEC

Coastal Erosion The wearing of land and the removal of beach or dune sediment often caused by wind, waves, tides, drainage, and storm-surge.

dune walkover
Dune walkover on Folly Beach, SC. © SCDHEC
Dune Walkover: A structure, typically a wooden walkway, built over the dunes to allow access to the beach, and prevent permanent damage and unnecessary wear and tear of dunes from pedestrian traffic accessing the beach.
escarpment
Escarpment caused by bank erosion on Isle of Palms, SC. © SCDHEC
Escarpment: A steep slope separating an area of land, usually resulting from erosion or faulting.
groin
Groins on Edisto Island, SC. © 2000-2014 Pictometry
Groins: A structure, usually perpendicular to the shore, designed to stabilize a beach by trapping near shore sand drift.
King Tide: A non-scientific term used to describe the highest seasonal tides that occur each year. These tides occur naturally and are typically caused when a spring tide (when the sun, moon, and earth align during a new and full moon, increasing tide ranges) takes place when the moon is closest to Earth during the 28-day elliptical orbit (known as a perigee).
revetment
Rock Revetment, Sullivan’s Island, SC. © SCDHEC
Revetment: A sloping structure built along an escarpment or in front of a bulkhead to protect the shoreline or bulkhead from erosion.
revetted seawall
Revetted Seawall, Myrtle Beach, SC. © SCDHEC
Revetted Seawall: A seawall, typically made of concrete, reinforced with a rock revetment.
seawall
Concrete Seawall, Myrtle Beach, SC. © SCDHEC
Seawall: A type of retaining wall designed to withstand normal beachfront conditions and wave forces.