Coastal Erosion

What is coastal erosion?

Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land or removal of beach through wave action, tidal currents, or wind.

How do waves affect coastal erosion?

Powerful waves break down rocks and transport sediments.

How do tidal currents affect coastal erosion?

Strong tides can erode shorelines and redistribute materials

How does wind affect coastal erosion?

Wind blows sand and loose sediments, and constantly attacks rocky structures

What is hydraulic action?

Water forces air into cracks in rocks, causing them to break

What is Abrasion?

Where rocks and sediments grind against cliffs, gradually wearing them down

What is Attrition?

Where rocks and pebbles collide, breaking into smaller pieces.

What is corrosion?

where rocks, especially limestone and chalk, are dissolved by acidic water

What is Hard Engineering?

Hard engineering is where things like sea walls, groynes, and rock armour protect the coast physically

What is Soft engineering?

Building protection through beach nourishment, dune stabilization, and any natural processes