Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Sea-Cliff Erosion With Rising Sea-Level Along Shores Exposing Glacial Material In Atlantic Canada, Eric R. Force

Eric R Force

Rapid retreat rates of sea cliffs exposing glacial material are a widespread problem, especially in Atlantic Canada, and one that will continue. Prediction of retreat rates at specific sites involves many variables, but a factor that has commonly been overlooked in such prediction is the slope of the bedrock surface under the glacial material. A glaciated bedrock platform is generally necessary to establish a stable situation of temporary equilibrium, and as sea- level rises, the bedrock slope determines the location of the new equilib- rium position. An example from Nova Scotia shows that bedrock slope is so low on some …