Coastal erosion and submergence
In Quebec, coastal erosion and submergence are more prevalent in regions near the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. The consequences of these climate-related phenomena are already clearly visible.
Coastal erosion and submergence have many impacts on the environment, the economy, people’s lifestyles and the viability of coastal communities. Impacts include damage to homes and infrastructure and ecosystem degradation.
Coastal erosion is a natural phenomenon characterized by the loss of material along the coastline, causing it to retreat.
It can be caused by waves, ocean currents, precipitation, wind, ice, rising water levels and shrinking ice cover. Human factors, such as the destruction of natural vegetation and the construction of artificial shoreline structures (embankments, walls, etc.) can also cause coastal erosion.
Coastal submergence is a natural phenomenon characterized by the gradual inundation of the coast by rising water levels, or by sudden or episodic flooding caused by weather events.
Coastal submergence can occur in the wake of storm surges, in particular. It is expected to increase on the lower coasts and the Maritime Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence over the next few years due to rising water levels resulting from climate change.
