Engineering Stategies

Question 1

What is being done to protect the coastline at Great Steet Marshes, Bridgwater?

Answer 1

The area is being managed to create the UK’s largest wetland with 250 hectares of salt marsh made.

This is to protect the estuary.

Question 2

How are agencies managing tidal flooding at Great Steet Marshes?

Answer 2

Agencies deliberately breach to allow tidal flooding.

Question 3

What is the cost of the coastal protection efforts at Great Steet Marshes?

Answer 3

The cost is 120 million.

Question 4

What are the advantages of the coastal protection approach at Great Steet Marshes?

Answer 4

The advantages include providing natural flood protection, absorbing carbon, and boosting biodiversity.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of the coastal protection approach at Great Steet Marshes?

Answer 5

Disadvantages include local farmers losing productive land, locals concerned about loss of traditional use, and many wanting hard engineering to protect the area.

Question 6

What is being done to protect the coastline at Rossall, Blackpool?

Answer 6

Construction of sea walls and revetments to reduce flooding, along with enhanced public spaces and recreational areas.

Question 7

How much is the coastal protection at Rossall, Blackpool costing?

Answer 7

The cost is 164 million.

Question 8

What are the advantages of the coastal protection approach at Rossall, Blackpool?

Answer 8

Advantages include improved protection for 7,500 homes and residents enjoying dual purpose spaces.

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of the coastal protection approach at Rossall, Blackpool?

Answer 9

Disadvantages include potential environmental disruption and exacerbation of erosion elsewhere.

Question 10

What is being done to protect the coastline in North Norfolk?

Answer 10

No sand is being dredged and deposited on the shoreline.

Question 11

What issues does the North Norfolk coastline face?

Answer 11

It faces erosion and the effects of climate change.

Question 12

What is the cost of the protection scheme in North Norfolk?

Answer 12

The scheme costs approximately £120 million, with £22 million allocated.

Question 13

What are the advantages of the protection approach in North Norfolk?

Answer 13

Local residents and businesses appreciate the protection, and there are aesthetic benefits from an enhanced beach.

Question 14

What are the disadvantages of the protection approach in North Norfolk?

Answer 14

The high cost and temporary nature of the solution, as sand will eventually erode. Environmentalists worry about the ecological impact of dredging and it interrupts natural sediment processes.

Question 15

What is being done to protect the coastline in Wales?

Answer 15

Coastal nourishment is being implemented.

Question 16

How much does coastal nourishment cost in Wales?

Answer 16

It costs approximately £112 million.

Question 17

What are the advantages of the protection approach in Wales?

Answer 17

It protects around 330-400 homes.

Question 18

What are the disadvantages of the protection approach in Wales?

Answer 18

It is expensive and may require future maintenance. Some environmental groups argue it disrupts natural coastal processes.

Question 19

What are some methods of coastal restoration?

Answer 19

Mangrove reforestation, sea walls, sand dune stabilization, community-based initiatives.

Question 20

What are the advantages of coastal restoration?

Answer 20

Sustainable, low cost, enhances biodiversity, local community benefits from restored ecosystems that improve fishing and reduce yellow damage.

Question 21

What are the disadvantages of coastal restoration?

Answer 21

Restoration is slow, requires significant community engagement, and there is a need for more immediate solutions for vulnerable communities.

Question 22

What is the situation at Blackwater Estuary, Essex?

Answer 22

The sea walls were in need of repair, and the Essex Wildlife Trust wanted a sustainable approach considering rising sea levels.

Question 23

What has happened to the salt marsh in Blackwater Estuary?

Answer 23

60% of the salt marsh has been lost in the last 25 years due to sea levels rising by 30cm each century.

Question 24

What is ‘coastal squeeze’?

Answer 24

Coastal squeeze refers to the loss of natural protection due to rising sea levels and coastal development.

Question 25

What action did the Essex Wildlife Trust take in 2000?

Answer 25

They purchased Abbotts Hall Farm on Blackwater Estuary, which was threatened by erosion and flooding.

Question 26

What was implemented in 2002 at Blackwater Estuary?

Answer 26

A 4000 ha managed realignment scheme was implemented by creating five breaches in the sea wall.

Question 27

What was the result of the managed realignment scheme?

Answer 27

It allowed new salt marshes to form inland.