Examples of vulnerable coastlines

Question 1

What is an example of a vulnerable coastal landscape in the UK?

Answer 1

Thame Gateway

Question 2

Describe the location of the Thames Gateway.

Answer 2

Located to the east of London.

Question 3

What risks does the Thames Gateway face?

Answer 3

Severe weather events:
storm surges - sea pushed into funnel-shaped estuary
isostatic change - area sinking into sea (2mm per year)
Sea level rising (3mm per year)

Question 4

Why is the Thames Gateway particularly vulnerable?

Answer 4

1.6 million live + work in area
500,000 properties at risk
75% of property value in England + Wales lies on Thames Estuary
London City Airport at risk
London is UK’s largest centre of economic activity

Question 5

Why are storm surges a threat to the Thames Gateway?

Answer 5

Depressions over North Sea create lower pressure - sea level rise.
Northerly winds push surface waters of sea forward (wind drift)
Government built Thames Barrier

Question 6

What is the funnel effect?

Answer 6

North Sea has funnel shape - as water forced southwards, can’t escape through narrow English Channel; increases height of sea.
Effect further enhanced by Thames Estuary

Question 7

What is an example of a coastal community in an economically developing country?

Answer 7

Nile Delta, Egypt