Sea cliff retreat and coastal waterfalls in Point Reyes

In California, nearly three-quarters of the coastline consists of eroding sea cliffs or bluffs. Cliff retreat often happens suddenly and without warning: wave impacts can undercut and destabilize sea cliffs, causing rapid collapse. Cliff collapse and retreat can be hazardous, but it also gives rise to spectacular coastal features such as sea stacks, arches, and coastal waterfalls.

In this talk, Patrick will discuss: 1) historical and future cliff retreat hazards along the Point Reyes coastline; 2) the formation of erosional coastal features such as arches, caves, and sea stacks; and 3) how coastal waterfalls develop, like Alamere Falls in Point Reyes, and why they are uncommon geological features.

Speaker: Patrick Limber