9 - impacts of coastal processes on humans Flashcards
what are some negative impacts of coastal processes on humans
in short term storm events can lead to cliff falls
in long term eustatic sea level rise = storm events and coastal erosion moving further inland
how are coastal defences allocated
- if benefits > costs
- so larger settlements receive coastal protection
- in long term can result in new headlands and islands
how does coastal erosion influence humans
can be exacerbated by coastal development near shore or by coastal management, many suffer increased erosion down drift of hard sea defences
negative impacts of erosion 1
- danger to life
- structural damage
- damage and destruction to lifeline infrastructure (water, sewage, gas pipes)
- loss of valuable farmland
- loss of vulnerable ecosystems
negative impacts of erosion 2
- loss of tourist attractions (wildlife reserves, famous coastal features)
- decline in property prices, insurance not held by many
- psychological stress for residents
- loss of beach amenities and leisure activities on sandy beaches
what is the main positive impact of the coast on humans
attracts human activities - fishing, tourism, port development, settlement
what physical resources make people travel to the coast
- scenery (eg cliffs)
- ecosystems (eg coral reefs)
- sandy beaches
- sunny climates
- high quality seawater free from strong currents and rip tides
what human resources make people travel to the coast
- cultural attractions
- heritage resources
- quality provision of services
- leisure facilities
- watersports
what are the economic impacts of tourism
- largest employer in the world
- brings in foreign exchange for host country, increases employment and can lead to inward investment of FDI by TNC’s
- positive multiplier effect and can reach local economies and improve quality of life
what influences the strength of economic impacts of tourism
strength of multiplier depends upon:
- local economy’s level of development
- type of tourism
- organisatinon of tourism
- level of economic leakage (TNC’s tend to repatriate profits overseas)
how has coastal processes positively impacted JOHN O GROATS
- it houses the Atlantic Puffins as well as grey seals and orcas
- the stacks have brought tourism to area
how have coastal processes positively impacted the Scottish coastline
- the hub for oil and gas situated by the North Sea
- 42b barrels of oil taken since 1964 attracting MNC’s eg Shell and BP
- diversification into renewable energy sources, offshore wind turbines, take existing energy industry into the future
- fishing industry providing food sources and economic support
- tourism industry bringing in more than £500m annually
how was Happisburgh influenced by coastal processes NEGATIVELY
- stormy winter caused rapid retreat of clay cliffs
- homes along beach road regularly lost as bay forms
- residents fought for defences but only received a small amount of Riprap and 2004 shoreline management plan proposed no active intervention (retreat)
- by 2025 80-100m and 25 homes lost with beach disappearing and by 2055 130-150m lost and by 2105 170-200m lost
how was Happisburgh influenced by coastal processes NEGATIVELY
- stormy winter caused rapid retreat of clay cliffs
- homes along beach road regularly lost as bay forms
- residents fought for defences but only received a small amount of Riprap and 2004 shoreline management plan proposed no active intervention (retreat)
- by 2025 80-100m and 25 homes lost with beach disappearing and by 2055 130-150m lost and by 2105 170-200m lost
why save Happisburgh from coastal erosion
- home to 850 people
- thriving unique community and good community spirit
- protects the Northern Broads
how do management strategies differ
depends on social, economic, environmental and political factors
what are the 5 management strategies
- do nothing
- managed retreat or realignment
- hold the line
- advance the line (move seaward)
- limited intervention (adjustments made)
physical factors influencing strategies
- geomorphology (rock type/resistance, sediment supply)
- degree of dynamism in coastal environment (reaction to management)
- quality of environment
human factors influencing strategies
- cost benefit analysis
- local/national budgets
- socio-cultural factors
- scientific research considerations
benefits of defence strategies
- increased security for houses, properties, beach users, coastal towns
- can be environmentally attractive
- avoids compensation issues that might be associated with do nothing strategies
problems of defence strategies
- reduced sediment supply
- reduced exposure for scientific study
- costs not justifying results, research much be made into marine and subaerial processes
why is a coastal management scheme needed in LYME REGIS
- tourist industry is worth £42m and 900 jobs
- too much invested into town to let it be taken
- no natural supply of shingle bc of Cobb
- erosion of offshore platform
- large fetch from SW prevailing wind over atlantic
- storm conditions from channel
- weak geology of Jurassic Lias - shales and clays
costs of LYME REGIS management
- £32m spent on coastal management
- appearance could affect tourism as hard engineering usually not aesthetic
benefits of LYME REGIS management
- protected tourist industry as population increases by 14000 during summer months
- homes/businesses savd
- benefit cost ratio = 6.04/1
- maintains home and community
- preserves habitat of nature reserve
why is lyme regis at risk
- Lyme Regis lies on slipped land made up of unstable soft clays and sands which move over stronger limestone and clay rocks
- limestone and clay rocks slope down towards the sea, making it easier to slip and cause landslides
what was involved in the lyme regis management scheme
PHASE 1 - new sea wall and promenade finished in 1995
PHASE 2 - protecting foreshore stabilising land, started in 2005 cost £17m
PHASE 3 - do nothing approach
PHASE 4 - coastal slope stabilisation
