Erosional trends on Galveston Island, Texas.

Aerial photography of Galveston Island, dating from 1952 to the present, shows that storm - related beach erosion was typically followed by periods of slow accretion. Of late, however, it seems that significant post-storm accretion is now less likely because of a diminishing sediment supply. The south - west - moving coastwise drift has been blocked since the 1890's by long jetties at the northeast tip of the island. Further, the old ebb delta which has provided replenishment since the jetties were built shows signs of depletion. Recent evidence indicates that erosion rates along the island's Gulf shoreline are trending upward. The Texas Open Beaches Act prohibits structures on the public beach, defined as the area between the vegetation line and the low waterline. Erosion from Hurricane Alicia moved the public beach an average of 100 feet inland, leaving scores of private dwellings subject to mandatory removal from the public easement. Despite, the sale and development of beachfront housing on Galveston Island continues at a brisk pace.