coastal management

Question 1

Beach Nourishment

Answer 1

The process of dumping sand from elsewhere onto an eroding shoreline to create a new beach or to widen the existing beach. This does not stop erosion completely but slows it down.

Question 2

Cliff Drainage

Answer 2

Steel barriers and drains put into a cliff to intercept the water movement through the cliff which causes mass movement.

Question 3

Cliff Regrading

Answer 3

Restructuring a cliff face to take away the steep gradient. This reduces instability.

Question 4

Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)

Answer 4

The benefits of a given situation or business-related action are considered, and then the costs associated with taking that action are subtracted.

Question 5

Dune Stabilisation

Answer 5

Planting vegetation reduces the impact of wind and water. Wooden sand fences can help retain sand and other material needed for a healthy sand dune ecosystem.

Question 6

Gabions

Answer 6

A basket or container filled with earth, stones, or other material and used in civil engineering works.

Question 7

Groynes

Answer 7

A low wall or sturdy timber barrier built out into the sea from a beach to check erosion and drifting.

Question 8

Hard Engineering

Answer 8

This is generally defined as controlled disruption of natural processes by using man-made structures.

Question 9

Integrated Costal Management

Answer 9

A process for the management of the coast using an integrated approach, regarding all aspects of the coastal zone, including geographical and political boundaries, in an attempt to achieve sustainability.

Question 10

Managed Retreat

Answer 10

This allows an area that was not previously exposed to flooding by the sea to become flooded by removing coastal protection.

Question 11

Revetments

Answer 11

Wooden, steel, or concrete fence-like structures that allow sea water and sediment to pass through, but the structures absorb wave energy. A beach can build up behind the revetment and provide further protection for the cliff.

Question 12

Rip-Rap

Answer 12

Rock or other material used to armour shorelines, streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings and other shoreline structures against scour and water or ice erosion.

Question 13

Sea Walls

Answer 13

A wall or embankment erected to prevent the sea encroaching on or eroding an area of land.

Question 14

Soft Engineering

Answer 14

Long-term and more sustainable than hard engineering options, with less impact on the environment. Managed retreated is an example.

Question 15

Offshore Breakwater

Answer 15

An offshore structure (as a wall) protecting a harbour or beach from the force of waves.