Geographic Analysis of Shoreline Recession, Coastal East Texas

Shoreline recession along the East Texas coast is occurring at a rate of approximately 5 feet per year. Field observations and map study reveal that the coast consists of two small regressive sections and a large transgressive section. Although the most rapid recession of the transgressive section is caused by hurricane washover and storm surge processes, other marine processes and the tectonic setting of the coast are also important. Human interference with the beach system is aggravating the sediment deficiency of the transgressive beach. Because beach environments of the Gulf Coast have great recreational and other land use value, the artificial nourishment of the beach system with available sediment supplies is recommended for the attainment of shoreline equilibrium.