holderness - coastal management

Question 1

where is it located and why is it important

Answer 1

north east england - It’s one of the fastest-eroding coastlines in Europe. - stretches around 60km

Question 2

what is the reason for the fast erosion

Answer 2

Geology
The cliffs are made of soft boulder clay (glacial till) – very easily eroded.
The clay is unstable and prone to slumping when wet.

Fetch and Waves
Faces the North Sea, with a long fetch, meaning strong, high-energy waves.
Destructive waves dominate – erode the base of cliffs quickly.

Lack of Deposition
Eroded material is swept away, not deposited back = no natural beach to protect cliffs.

Question 3

Impacts of Erosion

Answer 3

Villages like Mappleton are under threat.
Over 30 villages lost since Roman times.
Roads, farmland, homes, and businesses are at risk.
Economic impacts: Loss of farmland, decrease in tourism, insurance issues.

Question 4

evaluation of the case study

Answer 4

Effective locally (Mappleton safe).
Not sustainable long-term for the whole coastline.
Hard engineering is expensive and causes knock-on effects.
Some argue for managed retreat instead.

Question 5

what was done

Answer 5

What Was Done (1991):
£2 million scheme put in place:
Rock groynes: Trap sand, building up the beach = protection from waves.
Riprap (rock armour) at cliff base to absorb wave energy.