Shoredurometric

Shoredurometric is a proposed quantitative metric used in coastal science to assess shoreline resilience to erosion and morphologic change. The term describes a standardized score intended to compare shorelines and inform management decisions related to coastal risk, conservation, and development.

The metric integrates physical, ecological, and human factors that influence shoreline stability. Typical components include wave energy exposure, sediment supply and grain size, shoreline geometry and beach or dune width, slope, presence of protective structures, coastal vegetation, and historical erosion or shoreline-change rates. Scores are usually presented on a 0–100 scale, where higher values indicate greater resistance to erosional change or a “harder” shoreline in terms of stability.

Calculation approaches vary, but common methods normalize each factor to a common range, apply weights, and aggregate them into a composite index. Data inputs may come from satellite imagery, LiDAR and bathymetric surveys, wave buoys, tide gauges, and field measurements. The approach is designed to be adaptable to different coast types, such as sandy beaches, rocky shores, and estuarine interfaces, and to cover different planning horizons.

Applications include risk assessment, land-use planning, prioritization of dune restoration or nourishment projects, and evaluation of protective strategies. The Shoredurometric framework can also support scenario analysis under sea-level rise, storm surge, and changing wave climates, helping allocate resources efficiently.

Limitations include data requirements, uncertainties in projections, and sensitivity to chosen weights and normalization. Critics warn that a single index may oversimplify complex coastal processes, so shoredurometric assessments should be used alongside process-based models and local expertise.