Coastal Management Soft Engineering

Question 1

Beach Nourishment & Reprofiling

Answer 1

• the addition of sand or shingle to an existing beach making it higher or wider
  -sediment is usually obtained locally so it blends in with the existing beach material
  -usually transported onshore by a barge

ADVANTAGES
1-relatively cheap
2-easy to maintain
3-blends in with the existing beach
4-increased tourist potential by creating a bigger beach.

DISADVANTAGES
1-needs constant maintenance unless structures are built to retain the beach

Question 2

Dune Fencing

Answer 2

-fences are constructed on dunes
-placed on the seaward facing sides of existing dunes to encourage new dune formation that help protect the existing dunes.

ADVANTAGES
1-minimal impact on natural systems
2-can help control public access and help protect ecosystems

DISADVANTAGES
1-can be unsightly if fences are broken
2-regular maintenance needed (after storms)

Question 3

Dune Regeneration

Answer 3

Marram grass is planted in dunes to help them stabilise and develop as dunes are easily damaged by trampling but are effective buffers.
-fences may need to be put around newly planted areas.

ADVANTAGES
1-relatively cheap
2-maintains a natural coastal environment that is popular with people and wildlife.

DISADVANTAGES
1-time consuming to plant Marram grass and fence off areas
2-people don’t always respond well to being restricted to planted areas
3-can be damaged by storms

Question 4

Cliff regrading

Answer 4

-When the cliff shape is shallowed decreasing the amount of coastal erosion and HA
(straight down to more of a slope)

ADVANTAGES
-reduces risk of landslides and erosion
-can be vegetated to create a natural appearance

DISADVANTAGES
1-can be time consuming
2-can lead to loss of habitats