Most of the coast however, is comprised of erodible, glacially deposited sand, gravel, clay, and a clay-like material called till. The following is a short discussion of coastal erosion as it relates to the Great Lakes region. The information contained in this fact sheet is very general and may not address the erosion processes at a specific site. For additional information on coastal erosion, lake levels, and related topics, contact your local library or the Detroit District's web page. Return to the Table of Contents Erosion.
Erosion is defined as the wearing away of land by the action of natural forces.
On the coast, the forces of erosion are embodied in waves, currents, and wind. Surface and ground water flow, and freeze-thaw cycles may also play a role. Not all of these forces may be present at any particular location. Though erosion is a natural process, it can be influenced, both adversely and beneficially, by human activity. Some of the factors that may influence the forces of coastal erosion are discussed below.