Management of coastlines

Question 1

Hard engineering

Answer 1

very costly and directly alters physical processes and systems

Question 2

Groynes

Answer 2

low wall/barrier built out into the sea. This prevents the movement of beach material along the coast by longshore drifts but can be seen an unattractive and costly

Question 3

Sea walls

Answer 3

Built on the edge of coastlines. These protect cliffs, land and buildings from erosion but are expensive and waves can become powerful as curved sea walls reflect the energy of the waves back in to sea. Over time, the walls can start to erode and need high maintenance

Question 4

Rip Rap

Answer 4

Loose stones create a foundation for a breakwater. This system reduces the energy of waves

Question 5

Revetments

Answer 5

Concrete structures built along the base of a cliff to absorb wave energy,
preventing erosion. They are effective and do not require much maintenance albeit start-up costs being high

Question 6

Offshore breakwaters

Answer 6

Offshore concrete walls that break incoming waves so erosive
power is reduced. These can be easily destroyed using storms and they are
unattractive (visual pollution)

Question 7

Soft engineering

Answer 7

techniques work with physical systems and processes to protect coasts and manage sea level changes

Question 8

Beach nourishment

Answer 8

Sand and shingle are added to a beach to make it wider,
increasing the distance a wave travels before reaching the cliffs. This reduces its energy and erosive power

Question 9

Cliff regrading and drainage

Answer 9

Inserting pipes within a cliff to remove excess water.
Cliff is still open to wave erosion but technique prevents mass movement and clay build-up

Question 10

Beach/dune stabilisation

Answer 10

Widen the beach/dunes to dissipate wave energy

Question 11

Holistic Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

Answer 11

➔ Globally, strategies are being developed so they are sustainable and use​ ​ICZM​ techniques.
➔ ICZM regards all aspects of the coastal zone (geographical and political boundaries) in an
attempt to achieve sustainability. This creates ​winners and losers​ ​as some can achieve
effective management whilst others cannot.
➔ Political judgements require​ ​Cost-Benefit Analysis​ and ​Environmental Impact Assessment
which can spark conflict as multiple procedures and players (homeowners, authorities etc.) are involved.