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Research & Updates

Evidence-based insights on coastal erosion, sand movement, surf ecosystems, and smarter shoreline management.

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This week's read

Coastal Science · 8 min read

Aerial view of waves and sediment plumes near shore

Coastal Science

Why Sand Doesn't Stay Put in Encinitas

Understanding how waves, currents, and coastal drift redistribute sand after replenishment projects — and what that means for beaches, surf, and reef habitat downstream.

Browse by topic

A growing library of coastal knowledge.

Coastal Science

Research and explanations about erosion, sea level rise, sediment flow, and shoreline dynamics.

Surf & Reefs

How reef systems, surf breaks, and coastal ecosystems are affected by sand movement and nourishment projects.

Local Updates

Updates on Encinitas beach replenishment projects, city planning, storms, and coastal developments.

Policy & Planning

Long-term coastal resilience, adaptive planning, and smart shoreline management strategies.

Recent

Articles & updates

Updated regularly with new research

Coastal Science· 6 min

Why Sand Placement Matters More Than Most People Realize

Placement strategy shapes outcomes for beaches, reefs, and surf — long after the project ends.

Coastal Science· 5 min

How Sand Moves Along the Encinitas Coastline

A primer on littoral drift, seasonal cycles, and the engines that redistribute sediment.

Surf & Reefs· 7 min

Can Beach Replenishment Harm Surf Breaks?

Examining the conditions under which nourishment projects affect reef-based waves.

Surf & Reefs· 4 min

The Difference Between Reef Breaks and Beach Breaks

Why the seafloor — not the surface — defines a wave's character and resilience.

Coastal Science· 8 min

What Causes Coastal Erosion in Southern California?

Storms, sea level, sediment supply, and human structures — a layered picture.

Policy & Planning· 6 min

Can Beaches and Surf Both Be Protected?

Why this isn't a trade-off — and what smart placement can achieve.

Policy & Planning· 7 min

The Hidden Economics of Coastal Erosion

Tourism, property, infrastructure — quantifying what's at stake along the shore.

Local Updates· 9 min

How Sea Level Rise Impacts Encinitas

Local projections, vulnerable bluffs, and what adaptive planning looks like here.

A perspective

“The issue isn't simply adding more sand — it's understanding where it goes, how it moves, and what it impacts.”

Trusted resources

Where we look for evidence.

A starting point for your own research — agencies, institutions, and organizations shaping coastal science and policy.

City of Encinitas Coastal Management

Local programs, projects, and planning documents.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Federal coastal engineering studies and reports.

SANDAG Beach Sand Management

Regional sand strategy across San Diego County.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Peer-reviewed coastal and marine research.

California Coastal Commission

Statewide coastal policy and permitting.

Surfrider Foundation

Coastal advocacy and citizen science programs.

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