Spatial and temporal variability of shoreline change in the Beaufort-Mackenzie region, northwest territories, Canada

Aerial photographs from 1972, 1985 and 2000 were analyzed to obtain measurements of coastal change in the Mackenzie Delta region of the Beaufort Sea. Changes from 1972 to 2000 are dominated by retreat of the shoreline with average annual retreat rates of -0.6 m a(-1), but ranging as high as -22.5 m a(-1). Rates vary significantly both between and within zones of similar exposure, morphology and coastal geology with the highest average rates located in areas that are most exposed to northwest winds. In general, decadal-scale rates of change have remained constant during the 28 years encompassed by this study.