The Palos Verdes Peninsula, located in southwest Los Angeles County, is shifting into the sea at an alarming rate of 4 inches per week, according to new research from NASA. The data, captured by airborne radar, reveals a significant acceleration of landslide activity following Hurricane Hilary’s record-breaking rainfall totals in 2023.
The coastal communities have known for decades that parts of the landscape are compromised, but the recent increase in slide activity has prompted concerns over human life and infrastructure safety. Homeowners in the affected area have been offered buyouts for their properties due to damage or threat from land movement.
NASA’s study found that during a four-week period, the land slid towards the Pacific Ocean by as much as 4 inches per week. This rapid movement poses a significant risk, warns landslide scientist Alexander Handwerger, who notes that the “footprint of land experiencing significant impacts has expanded.”
Source: https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/coastal-california-community-sliding-towards-ocean-20144759.php