The purpose of the report is to illustrate and focus attention on the permafrost erosion along the Beaufort Sea coast of Northern Alaska. The thermal erosion of permafrost along the coast results in shore line recessions as great as ten meters (33 feet) per year. The recession is caused by wave action and air temperatures thawing the frozen sediments. The two areas which are discussed in detail are Elson Lagoon and Flaxman Island. Elson Lagoon is located south of Point Barrow, Alaska. Flaxman Island is adjacent to the Prudhoe Bay oil development activity. The receding shore lines must be considered before a logical definition of this region is possible.