Cliff Erosion Facts

The image displays a title "Cliff Erosion" with a subtitle highlighting "fast facts on cliff erosion and what you need to know in IV."

Did you know that the average rate of cliff erosion in Isla Vista is 6 inches per year?

See the photo below of cliffside Del Playa from the 1970s – there used to be over 15 feet of additional cliff side less than 40 years ago. There was even a bike path BEHIND the houses on Del Playa!

The image shows a coastal house with a balcony, trees, and a pathway, overlooking the ocean at Goleta.
Cliffside Del Playa in the late 1970s. Photo by Steve Heilig. Sourced from Goleta History.
An article discusses tenants at 6745 Del Playa receiving $250 after their porch collapsed into the ocean in February 1979.
1980 Daily Nexus article reporting on a 1979 Del Playa balcony collapse as a result of cliff erosion.
Article discusses blufftop erosion threatening homes on Del Playa Drive, warning of potential condemnations due to structural risks.
1990 Daily Nexus article reporting on the threat of bluff erosion to Del Playa houses.
A coastal area with eroded cliffs threatening houses, showcasing the impact of erosion and possible structural damage.
6700 block of Del Playa balcony collapse in February 2024, after storms further destabilized the bluffs. Photo courtesy of the SB County Fire Department.
A scenic coastal view with a fence, a safety marker, and a calm ocean reflecting the sky at sunset.
Fences along Del Playa shifting in February 2024, after storms further destabilized the bluffs. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Caraway for Noozhawk.
The image shows a coastal house with a balcony, trees, and a pathway, overlooking the ocean at Goleta.
An article discusses tenants at 6745 Del Playa receiving $250 after their porch collapsed into the ocean in February 1979.
Article discusses blufftop erosion threatening homes on Del Playa Drive, warning of potential condemnations due to structural risks.
A coastal area with eroded cliffs threatening houses, showcasing the impact of erosion and possible structural damage.
A scenic coastal view with a fence, a safety marker, and a calm ocean reflecting the sky at sunset.

Cliff Erosion Fast Facts

What is cliff erosion? 

Cliff erosion is the loss or displacement of land along the coastline. When forces remove the rock, the coastline becomes less compact and sturdy, which results in erosion.

Why does this happen? 

Erosion occurs from waves and runoff. The force of ocean waves hitting the base of the cliffs destroys the sediment over time. Then rainfall, groundwater, and trash runoff wash away the sediment from the top of the cliffs.

How does this affect me as an Isla Vista resident? 

Cliff erosion leads to unsafe conditions around the cliffs – from the edges to cliffside balconies to the base. Unstable cliffsides create major safety hazards for you and your peers.

Tragically, cliff falls are an all-too-common occurrence in Isla Vista. Since 1994, there have been at least 14 deaths and numerous life-threatening accidents as a result of cliff falls.

What can I do about this issue? 

Do your part to educate yourself on cliff safety. Share this information with your peers and commit to being an active bystander. If you see something unsafe, say something. This can look like warning others, sharing safety tips, or contacting the appropriate emergency or non-emergency resources.

What are other resources to learn about erosion in Isla Vista? 

UCSB Department of Geological Sciences professor Arthur Gibbs Sylvester has compiled research on Isla Vista cliff erosion and a timeline of photos. Learn more about Sylvester's work here.