ABSTRACT
The severest case of recent erosion on the Oregon coast is that which has been occurring on Siletz Spit, 5 km south of Lincoln City and 160 km south of the Columbia River. The erosion of Siletz Split is of particular interest in that it provides a good example of several natural factors combining to cause beach and property losses; rip currents hollowing out embayments, unusual storm waves, and tide levels. Several natural processes interact to produce the most severe episodes of erosion on Siletz Spit, and at other locations on the Oregon coast. The natural erosion-deposition cycle on Siletz Spit has now been eliminated by the placement of riprap along much of the spit length. The processes of erosion on Siletz Spit occur elsewhere on the Oregon coast and in other coastal areas. The budget of sediments for the Siletz Spit area points out another possible long-term problem.
