Coastal Erosion - Birling Gap Flashcards
1
Q
Where is it?
A
Coastal hamlet close to Eastbourne, East Sussex
2
Q
What has/is happening?
A
Cliff retreated steadily for years
Several Victorian cottages have collapsed
Gov. decided too expensive to build sea defenses to protect
3
Q
What are the physical factors causing cliff collapse?
A
Chalk cliffs broken = vulnerable to freeze-thaw
Absence of wide beach = sea reaches cliff foot = undercuts + weakens
Long south-westerly fetch + powerful waves pound the coastline
4
Q
Who owns the cottages + how do they feel?
A
National Trust = is in favour of allowing coastal erosion to continue
5
Q
Why can’t sea defenses be constructed?
A
The stretch of coast has naturally developing habitats that would be damaged if constructed on
SL due to rise = rates of erosion ↑ + ↑ defence cost
