Coastal Flooding - Happisburgh Flashcards
Why is happisburgh vulnerable
1) cliffs are made from sands and clays
2) beaches are narrow and give little protection from storms
3) long fetch generates powerful storm waves
4) sea level rise and climate change
What are 2 facts about happisburgh
- Has a population of 850
- one of th castes eroding places in the world
What were the original defences against coastal erosion?
Timber groynes
What happened to the original timber groynes by 2000?
Destroyed by waves over the years; there was little defence against North Sea storm waves
This led to increased vulnerability to coastal erosion.
What significant event occurred in 2006 regarding coastal defence?
Local residents’ hopes for a more permanent coastal defence scheme were dashed when the SMP stated that the area should be allowed to retreat
What action did local people take after the 2006 announcement?
Launched an appeal to create rock armour
Rock armour is a form of coastal protection made of large boulders.
What happens to the coastline during winter storms?
Thousands of tonnes of cliff material can be washed away
This makes the area one of the most rapidly retreating coastlines in the UK.
At what average rate is the coastline retreating?
10-15 metres a year
This rate indicates significant loss of land over time.
How many buildings have been lost due to coastal erosion?
Over 30
This loss affects both property values and community stability.
What has happened to the worth of people’s homes in the affected area?
Worthless, can’t sell due to low price
The decline in property values is directly linked to risks of erosion.
