What is one long-term effect of repetitive storm surges in coastal areas?

One long-term effect of repetitive storm surges in coastal areas is coastal erosion. This phenomenon occurs when powerful waves and strong currents, driven by storm surges, continually hit the shoreline. Over time, this repetitive action can wear away land and sediment, leading to a gradual loss of beach and coastal structures.

Coastal erosion is influenced by several factors, including the frequency and intensity of storm surges, the type of sediment present, and the coastal geography. As storm surges push water inland, they can remove sediment and erode bluffs, cliffs, and beaches, contributing to a reduction in land area and altering habitats important for wildlife. This process can also impact human activities, leading to damage of properties and infrastructure along coastlines, which often necessitates expensive protective measures.

In the context of the other options, while improved coastal vegetation and increased land elevation may occur in some contexts, they are not direct or common long-term effects of repetitive storm surges. Additionally, a reduction in sea levels contradicts the occurrence of storm surges, which are typically associated with higher water levels.