ASCE will be sunsetting the Civil Engineering Database (CEDB) in the coming months. We encourage you to start using the ASCE Library to perform content searches. In the ASCE Library, you can save your search results as well as receive email content alerts when new content relevant to your area of interest is published. Try it out today at https://ascelibrary.org.

 

Induced Subsidence: Environmental and Legal Implications

by Douglas L. Inman, Univ of California - San Diego, La Jolla, United States,
Patricia M. Masters, Univ of California - San Diego, La Jolla, United States,
Katherine E. Stone, Univ of California - San Diego, La Jolla, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '91

Abstract:

Subsidence of coastal areas can be induced by withdrawal of fluids from shallow, unconsolidated horizons beneath the shore zone. In southern California, Huntington Beach, Torrance/Redondo Beach, Playa del Rey and Wilmington are recognized as areas of induced shore-zone subsidence. The effects include changes in littoral transport and morphology of beaches and lagoons and subsidence of coastal structures. Rates of induced subsidence in southern California range from 3 to 20 cm/yr, or 30 to 200 times the rate of present sea-level rise and 3 to 20 times the estimated rate due to the greenhouse effect. Studies of local, induced subsidence may provide insights on shore-zone changes and engineering problems that may develop as sea-level rise accelerates.

Subject Headings: Land subsidence | Sea level | Littoral drift | Coastal protection structures | Wells (oil and gas) | Shores | Offshore structures | United States | California | Delaware

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search