Final answer:
Beach erosion is caused by multiple factors, including wave action, human activities like dredging, and climate change, rather than solely by large storms. Dredging projects can leave the shoreline more vulnerable to erosion, while human-induced changes amplify the effects of natural factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
False, beach erosion can occur due to a variety of factors, not just large storms like Hurricane Matthew. Beyond storm impact, coastal erosion is an ongoing process influenced by waves, currents, sea-level rise, and human activities such as dredging and construction.
Beach erosion is a gradual but continuous process caused primarily by the energy of ocean waves that repeatedly crash against the shore, which can weaken and carry away sand and other materials. This process can be exacerbated by human interventions, such as dredging, which can disrupt the natural state of the beach ecosystem, damage nearby reefs, and affect marine life. These actions can then leave the coastline more vulnerable to storm surges during hurricanes and other severe weather events.
According to studies, hurricanes themselves have increased in frequency, intensity, and duration due to climate change, affecting coastal communities and requiring further research into safeguarding against their impacts. The expansion of farming, deforestation, and loss of vegetative cover has also contributed to the rise in sediment being discharged into the oceans, affecting coral reefs and marine life. Hence, erosion is a complex issue that results from both natural phenomena and human action.