Sea Level RiseThe global warming caused by the rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the main trigger for the sea-level rise in recent decades. The rising global temperatures are melting the ice caps at the poles leading to the increase in the water level in the sea. Beaches are threatened by sea level rise.
The loss of sand causes the beach to become narrower and lower in elevation (Figure 1). Storm waves carry the sand offshore, depositing and storing the sediment in large sandbars. In weeks and months following the storm, the sand is returned to the beach by calm-weather waves.
Beaches provide protection to residents living near the ocean by acting as a buffer against the high winds and waves of powerful storms or rough seas. Beaches also play an important role in the economy. Spending time at an ocean beach is one of the fastest-growing nature-based outdoor activities in the United States.
One of the most common injuries at the beach is sunburn. While this injury is highly preventable, it does happen. The best way to prevent a sunburn is to avoid sun exposure. Especially between noon and 3 pm, UV radiation is very aggressive.