Coastal Management Types Flashcards
What is a groyne
Protect coasts by building up the beach
What are the advantages of groynes
Less expensive then sea walls
Enhances the beach’s aesthetic
Maintains the size of the beach
What are the disadvantages of groynes
Expensive - £1000 per linear metre
Can cause issues down the coast
May be an obstacle to people walking on the beach
What is a sea walls
Shelters the land from the power of waves, can be curved
What are the advantages of sea walls
Give people confidence in security
Prevent high water levels moving in land
Tops can be used as promenades
What are the disadvantages of sea walls
Most expensive defence - £5000 per liner meter
Do not fit it with surrounding environment
Make access to beach difficult due to their height
What are gabions
Steel cages that are wired together and filled with rocks
What are the advantages of gabions
Very flexible in terms of placement on the coast
Relatively cheap and easy to maintain
What are the disadvantages of gabions
Not very strong
Need frequent repair
May be considered unsightly
What is beach nourishment
Aims to replenish sand lost from beaches by longshore drift
What are the advantages of beach nourishment
Uses natural sediments so the beach looks natural
Provides amenity for recreation and so supports the local tourist industry
What are the disadvantages of beach nourishment
Does not last long term especially under winter storm conditions so may have to be repeated
Sediments may have been dredged offshore changing sediment cell balances-> waves approach coast with more energy
What is dune stabilisation
Planting vegetation in order for the roots to stabilise the sand
What are the advantages of dune stabilisation
Looks natural
Cost effective
Acts as a barrier to rising sea levels
What are the disadvantages of dune stabilisation
Can be impacted by storm events
What is a managed retreat
allowing the sea to breach coastal defences and claim land
What are the advantages of a managed retreat
Allows natural processes to take place
An extend current ecosystems
What are the disadvantages of managed retreat
Needs agreements from land owners
No compensation for in the uk for land loss or property damage
May only be a medium term solution
