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How do we predict coastal erosion?

It's crucial that we understand and can predict large-scale, longer-term coastal changes, so that we can manage the risk to coastal settlements and the natural environment more effectively.

To predict erosion, we use a range of advanced monitoring techniques to assess its causes and ongoing impact.  This includes using aerial photographs, maps and surveys of coastal processes, which can then be analysed by teams of scientists.  Records of historical rates of erosion on the coast also inform our predictions of how the coast might evolve in the future.

We can then use this detailed information about our coast to:

  • make predictions about the rate and impact of erosion;
  • assess existing coastal management methods and how cost-effective they will remain over time;
  • make informed decisions about future management, to ensure we tackle coastal erosion issues where the risk is greatest.

We are using the most up-to-date data on climate change, advanced modeling techniques and the best local survey information available to display coastal erosion predictions across England.  This information will be easily accessible to everyone from our website, so that all who live at, work on and manage the coast are better able to decide how to approach coastal change in their local area.