Coastal Management Flashcards
What are Sea Walls
Walls are built at the back of beaches to reflect waves back to the sea. They are usually curved to better reflect waves
Hard Engineering
What are the advantages of Sea Walls
They prevent erosion but not the movement of sediment, which can affect other areas. Well-maintained walls can last for years
What are the disadvantages of Sea Walls
They create a strong backwash, which can erode wall foundations. They are expensive to build and maintain, and can appear unsightly.
What is Rock Armour
Large boulders are placed along the coastline to absorb the power of waves
Hard Engineering
What are the advantages of Rock Armour
It is highly effective at absorbing wave power. It is relatively cheap, quick to build and easy to maintain
What are the disadvantages of Rock Armour
Boulders are often sourced from other locations and may appear unsightly next to the local geology
What are Groynes
Concrete or wooden barriers are built at right angles to the beach to prevent longshore drift, trap sediment and absorb the power of waves
Hard Engineering
What are the advantages of Groynes
They are relatively cheap and effective at preventing erosion. They create larger beaches which can attract more tourists
What are the disadvantages of Groynes
The restriction of the movement of sediment may simply move the problems of erosion further down the coast
What are Gabions
Wire cages filled up with rocks are placed at the base of cliffs to absorb wave energy
Hard Engineering
What are the advantages of Gabions
They are cheap and easy to construct, making them a good short-term solution. They are often made from local materials
What are the disadvantages of Gabions
The wire cages are ugly and can erode within 10 years. If broken, loose material can be dangerous
What is Beach Nourishment and Reprofiling
Sediment is either added to the beach from elsewhere or shifted from the bottom of the beach to the top
Soft Engineering
What are the advantages Beach Nourishment and Reprofiling
These processes create a wider beach, which slows waves and provides greater protection from erosion and flooding
What are the disadvantages Beach Nourishment and Reprofiling
These processes are expensive and must repeated regularly. Beach access may be restricted during construction
