ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evidence for changing weather conditions in southern California and considers its effects on the beaches and sea cliff erosion. Southern California provides examples of man-induced effects on the beaches and sea cliff erosion. These include the impact of sea wall and culvert construction, the effects of increased ground water due to irrigation and septic tanks, and changes induced by blufftop grading. The formerly wide sandy beaches south of Oceanside have been replaced by beach cobbles resting on exposed bedrock outcrops. Developments along the bluff margins north of San Diego have considerably increased cliff erosion. Construction intended to protect the coast, such as groins, concrete and wooden sea walls, riprap and rock debris, as well as concrete lifeguard towers and buildings, are located along the cliffed shoreline of San Diego County. Sea-cliff and bluff retreat is episodic, site-specific, and strongly related to the meteorological conditions, induration and stability of rock formations within a given area.
