Figure - available from: Frontiers in Earth Science
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Photo showing material that has slumped onto the beach face following bluff face thaw at Barter Island (2011 image courtesy of Li Erikson, U.S. Geological Survey). The bluff height is about 10 m and the sediment areal density is about 600 g/cm², based on USGS data. Interestingly, the photo was taken soon after the 2008 niche erosion/block collapse event and the niche is still in evidence.
Source publication
Two prominent arctic coastal erosion mechanisms affect the coastal bluffs along the North Slope of Alaska. These include the niche erosion/block collapse mechanism and the bluff face thaw/slump mechanism. The niche erosion/block collapse erosion mechanism is dominant where there are few coarse sediments in the coastal bluffs, the elevation of the b...
Citations
... Coastal erosion and sea-level rise have severe impacts on coastal communities, including the destruction of settlements and fishponds, as well as increased inundation areas (Divinsky and Kosyan, 2021). Despite these challenges, local communities have implemented various adaptation strategies, such as planting mangroves, elevating ground levels, and shifting livelihoods toward the tourism sector (Ravens and Peterson, 2021). ...
... In Nigeria, the Lagos State Government has constructed seawalls and groynes to mitigate coastal erosion along the Victoria Island and Lekki Peninsula areas. These measures aim to stabilize the shoreline, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain the economic vitality of the region (Tran et al., 2020;Ravens and Peterson, 2021). ...
Climate change poses significant challenges to Africa, impacting various sectors and regions across the continent. This comprehensive review examines the effects of climate change in Africa through case studies in the Sahel, West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and Central Africa. These studies highlight commonalities and interconnections, emphasizing the vulnerability of African communities. The prevalence of drought and food insecurity in the Sahel, coastal erosion and rising sea levels in West Africa, shifts in rainfall patterns in East Africa, health risks in Sub-Saharan Africa, and deforestation in Central Africa highlight the need for effective adaptation strategies. Integrated and multi-sectoral approaches are crucial to address the complex challenges of climate change. Collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, communities, researchers, and international agencies, is essential for developing holistic adaptation strategies. Lessons from the case studies stress the need for resilient agriculture, community-based initiatives, policy interventions, and knowledge sharing. Incorporating local knowledge and involving communities in decision-making are key for sustainable solutions. The findings have significant implications for regional climate change adaptation and policy-making. Integrating climate change considerations into development planning, establishing dedicated institutions, and securing funding are urgents. International cooperation and technology transfer enhance Africa's adaptive capacity and resilience, protecting communities, ecosystems, and biodiversity. This review provides valuable insights into climate change impacts in Africa, offering a comprehensive understanding of interconnected challenges and adaptation opportunities. It serves as a foundation resource for evidence-based policies and strategies, fostering climate resilience and sustainable development across the continent.