Hard Engineering Flashcards
What is the expected lifespan of impermeable revetments?
30-50 years
Impermeable revetments are low maintenance and have significant visual impact on the landscape.
What is the function of groynes?
Prevent sediment loss and manage beach erosion
Groynes help to stabilize the beach by interrupting the flow of sediment.
What is the purpose of rip-rap or rock armour?
Absorb wave energy and reduce beach erosion
Large boulders are used to dissipate the power of waves and protect the shoreline.
What are the pros of using rip-rap?
- Strong defense against erosion
- Attracts tourists
Rip-rap can enhance natural beauty while protecting against wave action.
What are the downsides of using rock armour?
- Can be unattractive
- Costly to build and maintain
While effective, rock armour can detract from the natural scenery.
What is the function of gabions?
Absorb wave energy and build up beaches
Gabions are wire mesh containers filled with rocks, providing coastal protection.
What are the cons of using gabions?
- Expensive to obtain
- Difficult to transport boulders
The cost and logistics can be significant drawbacks to gabion use.
What is a tidal barrier?
A structure designed to protect against tidal surges
Tidal barriers can help manage flooding and coastal erosion.
What is the purpose of a breakwater?
Protect the coast by reducing wave energy
Breakwaters are built offshore to shield the shoreline from waves.
What is an offshore reef?
A large pile of rock in the sea to dissipate wave energy
Offshore reefs can help protect coastlines by breaking incoming waves.
True or False: Hard engineering methods are entirely natural processes.
False
Hard engineering involves man-made structures to control coastal processes.
What are the pros and cons of hard engineering?
Pros: Effective in protecting coastlines
Cons: Can disrupt natural processes
Balancing effectiveness with environmental impact is a key consideration.
