Flat
Coast:
Flat coastal land is not only the substrate for forests, grasslands
and other ecosystems, but also a favorite of developers. The level
ground and lack of irregular rocky surfaces make for easier and
more cost-effective building. Blasting, leveling, hauling of debris,
or, alternatively, engineering for the existing surface are difficult,
time-consuming and potentially very expensive. Because of this flat
areas with sedimentary ground are a practical choice. It makes for
good farming and easy travel. However, the same factors that make
it a good choice for building also make it potentially hazardous
should the areas protecting the flat coast from wind and waves deteriorate,
or sea level change.
East Coast gentle continental rise to flat coast topography
of South Carolina - as shown by the lack of abrupt color change
both on the sea floor - which remains light blue, and onshore,
which remains a low-lying green. |
Abrupt offshore transition through light blue to darker
blue - indicating deeper sea floor, off the coast of Connecticut. |
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