Coastal Management

Question 1

Beach Nourishment

Answer 1

The process of dumping sand from elsewhere onto an eroding shoreline to create a new beach or to widen the existing beach. This does not stop erosion completely but slows it down.

Question 2

Cliff Drainage

Answer 2

Steel barriers and drains put into a cliff to intercept the water movement through the cliff which causes mass movement.

Question 3

Cliff Regrading

Answer 3

Restructuring a cliff face to take away the steep gradient. This reduces instability.

Question 4

Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)

Answer 4

The benefits of a given situation or business-related action are considered, and then the costs associated with taking that action are subtracted.

Question 5

Dune Stabilisation

Answer 5

Planting vegetation reduces the impact of wind and water. Wooden sand fences can help retain sand and other material needed for a healthy sand dune ecosystem.

Question 6

Gabions

Answer 6

A basket or container filled with earth, stones, or other material and used in civil engineering works.

Question 7

Groynes

Answer 7

A low wall or sturdy timber barrier built out into the sea from a beach to check erosion and drifting.

Question 8

Hard Engineering

Answer 8

This is generally defined as controlled disruption of natural processes by using man-made structures.

Question 9

Integrated Costal Management

Answer 9

A process for the management of the coast using an integrated approach, regarding all aspects of the coastal zone, including geographical and political boundaries, in an attempt to achieve sustainability.

Question 10

Managed Retreat

Answer 10

This allows an area that was not previously exposed to flooding by the sea to become flooded by removing coastal protection.

Question 11

Revetments

Answer 11

Wooden, steel, or concrete fence-like structures that allow sea water and sediment to pass through, but the structures absorb wave energy. A beach can build up behind the revetment and provide further protection for the cliff.

Question 12

Rip-Rap

Answer 12

Rock or other material used to armour shorelines, streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings and other shoreline structures against scour and water or ice erosion.

Question 13

Sea Walls

Answer 13

A wall or embankment erected to prevent the sea encroaching on or eroding an area of land.

Question 14

Soft Engineering

Answer 14

Long-term and more sustainable than hard engineering options, with less impact on the environment. Managed retreated is an example.

Question 15

Offshore Breakwater

Answer 15

An offshore structure (as a wall) protecting a harbour or beach from the force of waves.

Question 16

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Answer 16

The process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.

Question 17

Non-governmental Organisations (NGOS)

Answer 17

A non-profit organization that operates independently of any government, typically one whose purpose is to address a social or political issue.

Question 18

Shoreline Management Policies

Answer 18

A large-scale report, assessing the risks associated with coastal processes. It aims to help reduce these risks to people, property and the historic and natural environment. The main aim is to identify long term, sustainable management.

Question 19

Amenity Value

Answer 19

The characteristics that influence and enhance people’s appreciation of a particular area.