A geographer is analyzing satellite images of a coastal zone and observes that the shoreline has receded inland by 120 meters over the past 30 years due to rising sea levels. If the rate of recession accelerates by 2 meters per year every decade, and the initial rate was 2 meters per year, how much total shoreline recession will occur over the next 30 years?

Wed, 06 May 2026 16:29:02 +0000

**A geographer is analyzing satellite images of a coastal zone and observes that the shoreline has receded inland by 120 meters over the past 30 years due to rising sea levels. If the rate of recession accelerates by 2 meters per year every decade, and the initial rate was 2 meters per year, how much total shoreline recession will occur over the next 30 years?** As climate change intensifies, monitoring coastal changes has become critical for communities, scientists, and planners. A geographer analyzing satellite images of a coastal zone finds that the shoreline has retreated inland by 120 meters over the last 30 years—driven by rising sea levels. But what lies ahead? With climate impacts accelerating, the rate of erosion isn’t staying constant. Recent data suggest it’s increasing, with projections showing faster shoreline retreats as decades progress. Understanding this pattern helps predict future risks and guide adaptation efforts. **Why This Observation Matters in the US** Shoreline recession is a visible sign of rising seas and shifting coastlines, a concern deeply relevant across the United States. Mobile users and coastal residents increasingly recognize erosion as a long-term threat, not just a remote issue. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and environmental researchers emphasize the growing urgency. With the current 2-meter retreat in 30 years, accelerating patterns could double or triple this loss in coming decades—reshaping communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure planning.