essex marshes

Question 1

what does coastal realigment allow for?

Answer 1

allows for managed retreat and surrednders part of the coast that this will act as a natural buffer to the sea

Question 2

why was coastal management needed?

Answer 2

sea level rise
coastal squeeze - this is the result of the sea rising over the saltmarshes and being pinned against the sea wall leading to deeper water which causes erosion

Question 3

what is the coastal management scheme?

Answer 3

• sea wall was deliberately breached in 2002 - the scheme works by allowing salt water back onto the land
• two counter walls have been constructed at either end of the site to protect neighbouring land
• salt marsh created

Question 4

what are the benefits of the scheme?

Answer 4

• the coastal flooding of the abbotss hall farm scheme has reduced pressure on sea walls along coast
• low maintenance costs and sustainable
• scheme has won awards from RSPB as it has boosted habitats
• it has saved 500,000 in sea defences
• the sites act as a natural flood defence by dissipating wave energy

Question 5

was the scheme successful?

Answer 5

prior to the scheme all sites were eroding but now the vast majority are stabilised as vegetation traps more sediment