Coastal Management-The Holderness Coat

Question 1

Where is the Holderness Coast?

Answer 1

-it is in the north east and has one of the highest rates of coastal erosion in europe
-it goes along Hornsea, Mappleton, Great Cowden and Withernsea

Question 2

Why is the Holderness coast retreating?

Answer 2

-the cliffs are made from soft and easily eroded boulder clay meaning causing cliff collapse by erosion
-the prevailing winds mean that eroded material is moved south along the coast by longshore drift exposing a new area of cliff erosion and causing the coastline to retreat

Question 3

Why did the Holderness Coast need to be managed?

Answer 3

-about 1.8m of land is lost to the sea every year e.g. Great Cowden, the rate of erosion has been 10m per year threatening businesses, farms and homes
-there are towns and villages where people live e.g. in Hornsea there is a population of over 8000
-there is important infrastructure like the B1242 road which links many of the towns and businesses along the coast
-the gas terminal at Easington supplies 25% of the Uk’s gas and is right on the edge of the cliff

Question 4

How was the coastline managed around Mappleton in 1991?

Answer 4

-rock armour was placed along the base of the cliff to absorb the power of the waves
-2 rock groynes were built to trap sand and create a beach to absorb the power of the waves

Question 5

What management stratergies have been put around Hornsea?

Answer 5

-a sea wall
-some groynes

Question 6

what are some management stratergies that haven been put up around Withernsea?

Answer 6

-a sea wall
-groynes
-rock armour

Question 7

Was the management scheme at Mappleton successful or unsuccessful and how did it help?

Answer 7

-successful
-the Mappleton village and the B124road is no longer at risk of erosion
-the wider beaches have given people more seasonal job opportunities as it attracts tourists

Question 8

Why has the management of Mappleton caused conflicts?

Answer 8

-There has been an increase in erosion at Great Cowden because of the groynes used in Mappleton. This has led to farms being destroyed by the erosion and the loss of 100 chalets at the Golden Sands Holiday Park.
-Some people disagree with where the sea defences are located, especially if it means the land in their community is not protected.
-Some sea defences negatively impact tourism and reduce the amount of money coming in to the area.