Last Update March 28, 1996

The issue, coastal physical processes, addresses the changes the coastline has undergone during a finite amount of time. These changes can either be human-induced or naturally-occurring. It is important to monitor physical processes because of the inter action of the coastline with other ecosystems as well as its effects on the human environment and quality of life. The primary concerns are alteration of existing natural systems and construction of altering structures. These sub-issues are important be cause they address the amount and effects of human alteration of the natural coastline and the costs associated with them. The indicators for these sub-issues also demonstrate the effects that different processes have on the natural balance of mass and e nergy along the shoreline. Sea level data help to identify the number of people at risk from coastal zone flooding and the effects on the human environment and also natural ecosystems.

Alteration of Existing Natural Systems

• Miles of eroding coastline
• Miles of renourished beaches
• Volume of ocean dredged material disposed of off Florida's coast
• Groundings on coral reefs and seagrass beds

Construction of Altering Structures

• Miles of coastal armoring
• Number of permits for coastal armoring
• Number of permitted artificial reefs
• Number of threatened coastal structures