Description

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The Gulf coast of Florida and Alabama is a fragile combination of barrier islands, low-lying marshes, and highly erodable mainland shores. In addition to sea-level rise, winter storms, and altered sediment supplies, hurricanes frequently damage or destroy the human developments and infrastructures that line this coast. Indeed, a single storm can cause billions of dollars in losses. Memories of such hurricanes as Camille, Frederic, Opal, and Andrew cause great concern for residents and property owners alike; events of equal magnitude are always just beyond the horizon and the uninformed have much to lose.

The authors of Living on the Edge of the Gulf seek to counteract potential loss by providing an illustrated introduction to coastal processes, a history of hazards for the region, and risk-reduction guidance in the form of site evaluations, community mitigation techniques, and storm-resistant construction practices. Risk maps that focus on individual coastal beaches are designed to assist property owners, community planners, and officials in prudent decision making, while a review of coastal regulations helps owners to understand and navigate various permit requirements.

This latest book in the Living with the Shore series replaces the earlier guide Living with the West Florida Shore and supplements the Alabama portion of Living with the Alabama/Mississippi Shore.

About the Author

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David M. Bush is Associate Professor of Geology at State University of West Georgia.Norma J. Longo is a geologist who lives in Durham, North Carolina.William J. Neal is Professor of Geology at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.Luciana S. Esteves is a coastal geologist who lives in Brazil.Orrin H. Pilkey is James B. Duke Professor of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Emeritus, at Duke University.Deborah F. Pilkey is an engineer who lives in Simi Valley, California.