Boston 25 News reports on cutting-edge technology utilized for monitoring Cape Cod beach erosion

Scientists on Cape Cod are using new technology to study beach erosion at iconic beaches like Nauset Light Beach in Eastham. Erosion in the area has accelerated, with ocean-facing beaches losing on average three feet of beach a year. The Nauset Light area has lost 45 feet of beach between 2012-2016 due to rising sea levels and stronger storms, leading to the relocation of the lighthouse and parking lot.

Using LiDAR technology, researchers can create detailed 3-D models of the dunes to track erosion more accurately over time. This information is crucial for policy makers in making decisions about infrastructure and coastal management in the face of rising sea levels and erosion threats.

Kristy Senatori, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Commission, stresses the importance of having better data to understand how the coastline is changing. She notes the economic implications of erosion, as the tourism economy and seasonal businesses rely on the preservation of beaches.

The Cape Cod Commission offers a free coastal planner on their website, allowing residents to assess the vulnerabilities specific areas face from sea level rise, storm surge, and erosion. By using technology and data to understand and address beach erosion, researchers and policymakers hope to protect the beaches of Cape Cod for generations to come.

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Photo credit www.boston25news.com