For the more information about the geologic resources of the National Park Service, please visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/.
Coastal Geology in our National Parks
The National Park System incorporates 84 coastal park units with shorelines and submerged acreage, including national parks, seashores, lakeshores, recreation areas, monuments, preserves, historic sites, and memorials. These areas encompass over 11,000 miles of Great Lake and ocean shoreline and contain important American natural and cultural features. More parks are near the coast and are affected by coastal processes such as storms.
Coastal park features include the black sand beaches of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, cultural resources of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, immense sand dunes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the largest subtropical wilderness in Everglades National Park.
Increasing pressures and environmental threats such as coastal population growth, pollution, and sea level rise are impacting coastal areas. The National Park Service works to protect and understand the coastal resources in its care such that they are unimpaired for future generations.
Featured Programs
Coastal Hazards
Storms, rip currents, and tsunamis are some of the hazards that impact coastal environments. The NPS is working to understand the vulnerability of park resources to storms. Learn more...
Climate Change
Climate change is currently impacting coastal parks. Climate change threatens park resources and impacts your national park visit. Learn more...
Human Impact
Humans often try to alter and control the coastal zone for property protection. These alterations can have negative effects on physical and biological park resources. Learn more...
Research
Research provides the scientific information necessary to protect and preserve coastal parks. The NPS is involved in a wide variety of research projects. Learn more...
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Last Updated: August 15, 2011
