USF Researchers Combat Coastal Erosion with Natural Solutions

Understanding Coastal Dynamics

• 💡 USF researchers are studying coastlines, particularly after hurricane seasons, to understand how sand movement impacts coastal areas and homes.
• 🔬 Dr. Ping Wang, a USF geology professor, is leading a study with graduate students Laura Navalos and Libby Royer to understand shoreline health.

Lessons from Pinellas County

• ✅ Pinellas County beaches are highlighted as a model for resilience due to the successful implementation of natural solutions over 35 years, including beach nourishment and oyster reef restoration.
• 💧 Oyster reefs contribute to water quality through natural filtering, supporting a healthier beach environment.

International Application in Belize

• ⚠️ Researchers observed severe erosion and its impact on communities in Placencia, Belize, where artificial rock structures worsened the problem by causing shorelines to disappear.
• 🏠 The erosion threatened homes and the valuable landscapes that attract tourism, impacting the local economy.

Developing Resilient Strategies

• 📊 The USF team installed a weather station to measure elevation and collected data to run computer models.
• 🚀 The goal is to develop plans for maintaining a healthy beach environment and helping communities like Placencia Village become more resilient to erosion.
• 🌍 The researchers are pleased that their findings have broad applications and can assist other coastal communities globally.