Coastal Systems and Landscapes CASE STUDIES Flashcards
What is the case study of a local scale coastal environment?
The Holderness Coast
What is the location of the Holderness Coast?
A coastline in North-East England facing the North Sea, or Sediment Cell 2 in the UK.
What are physical causes of erosion on the Holderness Coast?
- Geology
- Fetch of Waves
How does the geology of the Holderness Coast affect erosion?
It is a discordant coastline made of chalk and clay. Flamborough Head (chalk) is more resistant meanwhile boulder clay is soft rock, less-resistant.
How does the fetch of waves on the Holderness Coast affect erosion?
Waves have high erosional power as they travel 4000miles across the North Sea. Only 3% of eorded sediment is deposited down the coast, creating Spurn Point.
What is the consequence of Physical Erosion at the Holderness Coast?
Coastal Retreat and loss of land as the fastest eroding coastline in Europe (average = 1.8cm3 per year, peak reaches 3.3m/yr).
What is the human cause of coastal erosion at the Holderness Coast?
Traditional Approach of Hard Engineering
How has Hard Engineering affected erosion at the Holderness Coast?
Mapleton had rock armour and timber groynes built in the 1990s, significantly increasing erosion south of the town. Since 1086, 26 villages and Great Cowden’s Grange Farm lost. Feedback cycle with increased erosion and sediment starvation known as Terminal Groyne Syndrome.
How is erosion being managed in the Holderness Coast?
Made in March 2008. Manages from Flamborough Head to Gibraltar Point and Humber Estuary. Takes into account other stakeholders like the local authority and works as an ICZM. Reviewed every 5-10yrs and funding is sometimes unavailable.
What is the impact of climate change on the Holderness Coast?
Sea level estimated to rise +0.17m globally but in Sediment Cell 2, +1.8mm/yr. Due to increased storms and precipitation, so more weathering and slumping. IPCC estimates 1m rise in sea level by 2105.
What is the case study of contrasting coastal landscape beyond the UK?
The Sunderbans
What is the location of the Sunderbans?
