Soft engineering Flashcards
Soft engineering
Working with nature to protect against erosion and flooding
What is soft engineering used in SMPs for
Managed realignment
Soft engineering pros
Low cost, looks natural, keeps amenity value, original landforms
Soft engineering cons
Regular maintenance, extreme weather effects
Marsh creation
Abandoning current sea defence line and allowing some flooding where defence isn’t viable
What is marsh creation used in SMPs for
Managed realignment
Marsh realignment cost
Cost varies depending on area
Marsh realignment pros
Low maintenance, creates wetland habitats, effectively absorbs wave energy, attractive
Marsh realignment cons
Land loss
Beach nourishment
Sand/pebbles dredged from nearby seabed added to existing beach so higher/wider
What is beach nourishment used for in SMPs
Hold the line, managed realignment
Beach nourishment cost
£3000/m
Beach nourishment pros
Relatively cheap and easy to maintain, natural, more tourist potential on bigger beach
Beach nourishment cons
Constant maintenance as natural erosion and longshore drift
Cliff regrading and drainage
Reduces cliff angles and removes water to stabilise and prevent landslides and slumps
What is cliff regrading and drainage used for in SMPs
Managed realignment
Cliff regrading and drainage cost
Cost varies
Cliff regrading and drainage pros
Effective on clay/loose rock where other methods aren’t, cost effective, prevents landslides and slumps
Cliff regrading and drainage cons
Causes cliff retreat, drained cliffs can dry out and collapse in rockfalls
Dune stabilisation
Marram grass planted and areas fenced to prevent walking
What is dune stabilisation used for in SMPs
Hold the line
Dune stabilisation cost
£2 to £20/m
Dune stabilisation pros
Maintains natural coastal environment and important habitats, relatively cheap and sustainable
Dune stabilisation cons
Time consuming to plant, negative responses to fencing
