Natural erosion is a powerful force that can completely transform landscapes and change the structure and layout of a shoreline in an instant. From freezing conditions to heavy precipitation, there are numerous factors that can lead to the erosion of a lakeshore, leading to infrastructure damage and hazardous conditions. By employing erosion control products, lakeshores can be protected from erosive forces and erosion-related damage can be avoided.
Here are some of the most common causes of erosion:
- Erosive sediment: As water moves down a channel, it carries with it various rocks and sediments that degrade the shoreline overtime. In general, this carving of the shoreline is a slow process that is typically observed over a period of many years.
- Freezing and ice: Since water expands as it freezes, lakes that ice over can force ice towards the shore and move shoreline soil with significant force. Ice that is moved by powerful winds or currents can also erode a shoreline.
- Breaking waves: Even small bodies of water or still lakes can have relatively powerful currents and breaking waves that contribute to the erosion of a shoreline. Currents and waves dislodge sediment and deposit it elsewhere, which can weaken certain areas while also causing a buildup of sediment in other locations.
- Storms and flooding: During very windy or rainy weather, the uprooting of trees can lead to a significant erosion of soil. The impact of a rainstorm and the flooding that may be associated with it can also cause soil to erode into the body of water that it borders.
- Human causes: Manmade erosion can be caused by a number of things. Even just walking along the shoreline can displace soil over time, causing sediment to collapse into the body of water. The chances that erosion will take place are much greater if there is lots of human activity occurring on or near the lakeshore, such as construction or dredging.
Taking preventative measures to control lakeshore erosion is essential when it comes to avoiding damage caused by natural and unnatural erosive forces. One common erosion control method is to plant vegetation in order to stabilize the soil. Another method that may be used involves the manipulation of the shoreline itself through a process of grading banks and removing stream obstructions to create a bank that is less susceptible to erosion. While these methods can be effective, one of the most successful and cost-effective forms of erosion control is the installation of protective structures. For example, cable concrete can be placed on a shoreline at a relatively low cost to protect it from erosion.
For quality erosion control products and solutions, contact International Erosion Control Systems Inc. We are the industry leader in erosion control and we have been providing our customers with exceptional service and solutions for decades. Our team is proud to offer on-time delivery and an exceptional degree of service to all of our customers. Give us a call today to find out more about our erosion control services and how cable concrete block mats might work for you.