DEFINITION
A shore or shoreline refers to the fringe of land at the edge of a large body of water, such as an ocean, sea, or lake.

AKA
Shore. Related to Coast and Beach.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Characteristics to Consider:

• Classification of the shoreline
• Existing vegetation
• Fluctuating water levels
• Wave energy (from boat traffic and/or wind) and depends on water depth, wind fetch and site location
• Slope configuration above and below the waterline
• Soil type and condition above and below the waterline
• Primary source of erosion
• Amount of sunlight exposure
• Shoreline maintenance requirements

ILLUSTRATION

Courtesy of Duke Energy



La Push shoreline, a shoreline community. Photo courtesy Washington State DOT.


CASE STUDIES
Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle, Washington

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
USGS - Role of Shoreline Characteristics: Coastal Morphology and Vegetation