Coastal erosion and the cape hatteras lighthouse

The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is threatened with destruction by an eroding coastline. Recent attempts to control the erosion have reduced but not stopped it The natural erosion trend for 41 km of coast from Rodanthe to Cape Hatteras was determined, based on 94 years of survey records from 1852 to 1946 At the lighthouse, the natural erosion rate is 7 5 m/yr In 2005, if no further human interference with coastal processes occurs, 190 m of coast will have eroded since 1980, leaving the shoreline nearly 90 m west of the lighthouse Considering the expensive effort being undertaken to protect the lighthouse from destruction, an inventory of property along the Atlantic coast should be made, before other similar projects are initiated We can afford to protect only the most valuable property.