Soft Engineering Flashcards
1
Q
Why is soft engineering used?
A
- Beachy head (high environmental value) is protected by law as a SSSI = hard defences not allowed
- this means it needs a sediment supply to provide defence through a beach + to prevent abrasion
- sediment is provided through the erosion that takes place beyond bright marina to Cuckmere
2
Q
Erosive process between the marina + Cuckmere
A
- the marina + it’s break water stop any material passing + effectively stops the sediment cell from transporting material any further
- this causes the beach immediately after to be stripped away, accelerating the erosion of the coast past Brighton = undercutting chalk cliffs + subsequent rock falls
- this material is then transported to Beachy head + deposited
- the deposition of material is essential due to Beachy head being attacked by destructive waves, Whig drags sediment offshore = reducing cliff protection
- cuckmere needs to be eroded to provide Beachy head with protection (sediment)
3
Q
Cuckmere restoration project
A
- high cost of 1.2 million to repair deteriorating hard defences = therefore measures to restore the natural process of the sediment cell are in place
- from 2022-2055 Cuckmere will form a free functioning system = will lead to a loss of 150 ha of land
- restoration of meanders as they are reverted to natural state in Cuckmere valley will cause increased flooding of the A259