L7 - Lyme Regis of the Cobb

Question 1

Where is Lyme Regis located?

Answer 1

West Dorset on the South coast

Lies within Lyme Bay on the English Channel

Question 2

What is a good example of coastal management in Lyme Regis?

Answer 2

The Cobb - Harbour wall

Question 3

What is the result of the annual rainfall?

Answer 3

> 850mm, adds to sub-aerial stresses on sea cliffs

Question 4

What is the towns physical geography?

Answer 4

Lies upon unstable soft clay and sand which has poor drainage - perfect for landslips
Sea levels predicted to rise by 55cm by 2100 increasing storm surge frequency + large Atlantic fetch will result in erosion of cliffs

Question 5

What is the resident population of Lyme Regis and what is its tourism like?

Answer 5

5000 people within 1km of the coastline

15,000 people visit around the peak time of the summer, town dependant on tourist economy

Question 6

What happened in 2008?

Answer 6

Large 400m section landslide

Question 7

What are the possible future hazards?

Answer 7

Slow downslope movement 1km inland, sudden landslide possible

Sea defence stability weakening due to marine erosion, sea level rise and storm surge frequency

Urbanisation and tourism stresses geology