Does Pleasure Point Need a Seawall?

The USGS, in cooperation with Santa Cruz County and the California Department of Boating and Waterways, studied the seacliffs, ocean floor, and waves of Pleasure Point, California.   We created detailed maps of the seacliffs and ocean floor using LIDAR laser scanners and sonar. We measured wave action using digital photos and videos, a wave gauge, and a current meter. We collected over 42 million map points, 40,000 wave images, and 8,900 wave measurements.

Santa Cruz County will use our data to help answer the question: Will a seawall protect roads and homes without harming this famous surfing spot?