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Isla Vista Beach

34 24' 49 N
119 51' 22 W

Isla Vista Beach is a sandy beach to the west of Santa Barbara. It is a high risk area--erosion rates exceed 6 inches per year. Active cliff erosion threatens houses and apartments built too close to the cliff edge. The patios and decks of these houses can be seen hanging over the cliffs edge. At one house, a series of railings have been installed at the edge of the cliff. As cliff erosion caused one set to fail, a replacement set was erected.

The ocean is not the only source of cliff erosion. Hoses and pipes scaling the cliff slope divert rainwater runoff, therefore reducing further cliff erosion.

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