Coastal challenges for the UK

Question 1

What is coastal flooding?

Answer 1

• result of storm surges when sea levels are significantly higher than normal - due to atmospheric pressure, high tides and strong winds - often overcome coastal barriers - designed to prevent coastal erosion

Question 2

Holdnerness case study?

Answer 2

• one of must vulnerable coatlines in world - retreats at rate of 1-2 metres every year
• made of soft boulder clay and strong prevailing winds
• 1991 - decision made to protect Mappelton - coastal management scheme costing £2 million introduced - involved 2 types of hard engineering - placing rock armour at base of cliff and building two rock groynes
• rock groynes stopped beach material moving south of mappelton - increased erosion south of mappelton

Question 3

Role of the MET office?

Answer 3

playes crucial role in forecasting weather and climate

Question 4

What happened in 2013 on the east coast of the UK?

Answer 4

east coast hit by strong storm surge - caused widespread coastal flooding

Question 5

Was a warning given (cast study)?

Answer 5

• yes - meteorological office and other agencies gave warning of storm - possible impacts
• gave people opportunity to evacuate

Question 6

What is the purpose of the Thames Barrier?

Answer 6

• designed specifically to prevent water being forced back up Thames toward high value land
• raised in advance of storm to prevent flooding in central london from storm surge
• 600,000 homes protected