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s <br />bare to the erosive action of wind and water, the <br />slow rate of natural erosion is greatly increased. <br />Losses of soil take place much faster than new soil <br />can be created. With the destruction of soil <br />structure, eroded land is even more susceptible to <br />erosion. <br />The occurrence of erosion has greatly increased, <br />usually at a rate at which soils cannot be sustained <br />by natural soil regeneration. This is because of the <br />activities of modern development and population <br />growth, particularly agricultural intensification. It is <br />also in the field of agriculture that most efforts have <br />been made to conserve soils, with mixed success <br />Union of International Associations). <br />Particles scattered by erosion can also cause <br />problems elsewhere. Stormwater drainage systems, <br />both natural and mechanical, are frequently clogged <br />by loose sediment. If drainage systems are not <br />cleared of uncontrolled sediment on a regular basis, <br />they lose function. <br />2) Beach Erosion <br />Wind, waves, and longshore currents are the driving <br />forces behind coastal erosion. This removal and <br />deposition of sand permanently changes beach shape <br />and structure (Sea Grant Haznet, 1998). Most <br />beaches, if left along to natural processes, <br />experience natural shoreline retreat. As houses, <br />highways, seawalls, and other structures are <br />constructed on or close to the beach, the natural <br />shoreline retreat processes are interrupted. The <br />beach jams up against these man-made obstacles <br />and narrows considerably as the built-up structures <br />prevent the beach from moving naturally inland. <br />When buildings are constructed close to the <br />shoreline, coastal property soon becomes threatened <br />by erosion. <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 18