16.7: Chapter Summary
- Page ID
- 21581
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16.1: Coastal Processes
- This chapter looks at how the combination of wave refraction and tectonic uplift shape our coast.
- Wave refraction is a major factor in sculpting the dynamic California coastline.
- The dynamic California coast is unlike many other coasts in the US.
16.2: California Coastline Anatomy
- This chapter details major features of coastal anatomy.
- The evolution of headlands into sea caves, sea arches, and sea stacks is detailed.
- The processes create this anatomy is well understood.
16.3: California Coastal Hazards
- Should you fear sharks more than water currents? It turns out sharks are not much of a hazard
- Shark interactions are common but rarely involve bites; nonetheless, du dum. Du dum. Dudumdudumduhum.
- Rip currents are responsible for most drownings.
16.4: Human Alteration and Mitigation
- If you wanted to protect your property on the coast, should you install a sea wall, a groin, or a breakwater?
- Trick question: they're all detrimental to the coastline, and unstoppable natural processes will win in the end.
- The bottom line is that too many people build too close to the shore.
16.5: Coastal Access
- Beaches are beautiful, but what if you can't get to them?
- Confusing, contradictory laws both guarantee Californians access to the shoreline, and do not guarantee Californians access to the coastline.
- Know your rights--and learn them in this section.
16.6: The Edge of California
- Our coastline is one of the things that define Californian living.
- But too many people have built in precarious places.
- Too many places have restricted beach access to the public, in violation of legislation guaranteeing access.

