Revisiting Shoreline and Beach Morphological Changes along South Beach, Haida Gwaii

Abstract

Northeastern Haida Gwaii was previously identified as one of Canada's most vulnerable regions to climate change related impacts. However, since this classification in 1998, only one study has investigated the influence of climate-related phenomenon on the vulnerability of this archipelago, despite calls for repeat assessments and monitoring efforts within this discipline. As such, this research revisited a subsection of the larger Walker et al. (2007) report in order to reassess how erosion and accretion trends have changed the South Beach shoreline position and beach morphology since 2007. Employing remote sensing techniques to effectively determine rates of erosion and accretion, in combination with quantifying geomorphic change through elevation change and volumetric sediment changes, this research may assess regions of increased vulnerability to the surrounding communities. Preliminary findings suggest this region is experiencing increased erosion, resulting in the significant threat to 36% of the coastline.