soft engineering

Question 1

what is soft engineering?

Answer 1

where beaches are used to control, reduce or redirect erosion processes.

Question 2

describe beach nourishment:

Answer 2

• the addition of sand/shingle to an existing beach to make it higher/wider
• sediment is usually obtained off shore locally so that it blends in with the existing beach
• usually transported onshore by a barge
• e.g. sand/shingle will be pushed up against groynes, and this sediment can be used to re-nourish other sections of the beach.

Question 3

what are the advantages and disadvantages of beach nourishment?

Answer 3

a:
- looks natural as the material used blends into the existing beach
- relatively cheap
- low maintenance costs
- bigger beach enhances tourism

d:
- requires constant replenishment
- during the process, machinery on the beach is noisy and obtrusive

Question 4

describe beach reprofiling:

Answer 4

• the beach’s makeup of sediment is changed by bulldozers to protect the coastline.
• the higher and wider beach now provides greater protection to valuable land and property
• natural amenity for tourism and recreation

Question 5

what are the advantages and disadvantages of beach reprofiling?

Answer 5

a:
- a higher beach can provide protection from coastal flooding
- steeper beaches are more resistant to wave attack

d:
- requires constant maintenance as material is moved around and removed by natural processes
- during the process, machinery on the beach is noisy and obtrusive

Question 6

describe sand dune regeneration:

Answer 6

• focusses on improving and maintaining sand dunes
• sand dunes are effective buffers to the sea, but are easily damaged and destroyed by trampling
• marram grass can be planted to stabilise dunes and help them develop, as well as making them absorb destructive waves’ energy
• fences can be used to keep people off newly planted areas

Question 7

what are the advantages and disadvantages of sand dune regeneration?

Answer 7

a:
- can enhance wildlife value of the area
- maintains the natural look of the coastal area
- relatively cheap

d:
- access issues/conflict can occur if areas are fenced off
- storms can still damage the dunes