A geographer uses satellite imagery to analyze coastal erosion over a 5-year period. The coastline retreated at an average rate of 2.4 meters per year for the first 2 years, then accelerated to 3.7 meters per year for the next 3 years. What is the total land loss in meters over the 5-year span?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:06:24 +0000

**A geographer uses satellite imagery to analyze coastal erosion over a 5-year period. The coastline retreated at an average rate of 2.4 meters per year for the first 2 years, then accelerated to 3.7 meters per year for the next 3 years. What is the total land loss in meters over the 5-year span?** As climate patterns shift and coastal communities face growing threats, precise tracking of shoreline change is more critical than ever. Using advanced satellite imagery, geographers are now providing detailed insights into how coastlines evolve over time—revealing not just rates of erosion, but crucial trends hidden beneath the surface. This method allows scientists to monitor vast stretches of shoreline with remarkable accuracy, capturing subtle shifts that traditional surveys might miss. **Why Erosion Analysis Matters Now** Coastal erosion is accelerating across the United States, driven by rising sea levels, intensified storm events, and human development patterns. For planners, emergency responders, and researchers, understanding the pace and trajectory of land loss helps shape more effective resilience strategies. Satellite-based monitoring delivers consistent, repeatable data across years and regions, offering a clearer picture of risk over time. This information supports smarter decision-making where land, infrastructure, and lives are on the line.