Coastal Defences

Beach Nourishment

Sand or shingle is added to the beach to make it higher or wider. This means the beach can absorb more energy and protect the coastline. Sediment is obtained locally so can blend in, and it is easy and cheap to maintain.

Sea Wall

Sea walls are concrete walls built at the foot of cliffs or the top of the beach; sometimes curved to reflect the energy of the waves. They often include a walkway which is good for tourism and these are very effective at stopping the sea.

Groynes

Groynes are wooden structures built along the beach at right angles. They are quick and easy to construct, they trap sediment and reduce the impacts of longshore drift creating a bigger beach which can attract more tourists.

Rip Rap

Rip rap or rock armour are when large boulders are piled at the foot of the cliff by the beach.

The boulders break up the waves protecting the cliffs. They can be quickly put into place and are cheap and easy to maintain.

Sand Dune Regeneration

This is when grasses, bushes and trees are planted to stabalise the dunes.

They help to develop and maintain a natural coast environment. They are very popular with people and wildlife and is relatively cheap.

What can be done to stop coastal erosion from happening?

• Measures can be taken to slow it down and manage its impacts effectively. These include:

• Hard Engineering Solutions:

• Sea Walls: Build robust barriers to absorb wave energy and protect the base of cliffs.

• Groynes: Install structures perpendicular to the shore to trap sediment and reduce longshore drift.

• Gabions and Rock Armour: Use boulders or wire cages filled with rocks to shield vulnerable areas.

• Soft Engineering Solutions: 

• Beach Nourishment: Add sand or shingle to beaches to absorb wave energy and reduce cliff erosion.

• Managed Retreat: Allow natural erosion in less critical areas while protecting key sites.

• Dune Stabilization: Plant vegetation or use fencing to secure 

How could protecting the most vulnerable areas negatively impacting other areas of the coastline?

Protecting vulnerable areas with coastal defenses, such as groynes and sea walls, can interrupt longshore drift, which is the process that moves sediment along the coast. This stops sediment from being deposited further along the coastline, leaving these areas with less protection from erosion. As a result, unprotected parts of the coast become more vulnerable to wave attack and erode more quickly.