Coastal Change Hazards: Hurricanes and Extreme Storms

Hurricane Dennis

Before and After Photo Comparisons: Seagrove Beach, FL

On Tuesday July 12, 2005, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted an aerial photographic survey of Seagrove, Florida, that was impacted by Hurricane Dennis. The photographs have been compared to pre-Dennis photographs taken by USGS to illustrate extreme coastal change.

Coastal bluff erosion near Seagrove Beach, Florida from Hurricane Dennis is a different mode of coastal storm response from the overwash observed on Santa Rosa Island to the west. Before Hurricane Ivan made landfall on September 16, 2004, the bluff was covered with vegetation. During Ivan, the runup of high waves attacked and eroded the beach and base of the cliff, leaving a distinctive scarp all along these bluffs. The stairs leading down to the beach were destroyed.

Map showing locations of pre-and post-storm photo sets near Seagrove Beach. Scroll down or click on the red text above to view the photo sets.

Coastal Bluff Erosion Near Hotel, Seagrove Beach, FL: Vegetation was removed from the bluff face by Hurricane Ivan. At the left center of the post-Dennis image, a pile of sand and debris is seen at the foot of the bluff. [larger version]

Coastal Bluff Erosion Near Homes, Seagrove, FL:  During Hurricane Ivan, coastal erosion at the base of the bluff destroyed stairways. Bluff erosion continued during Hurricane Dennis. [larger version]

Coastal Bluff Erosion Near Town Homes: Seagrove, FL: During Hurricane Ivan, vegetation was removed from the steep bluff face. The bluff was eroded landward during Hurricane Dennis threatening structures near the bluff edge. [larger version]