Coasts: case study: Holderness, Europe's fastest eroding coastline

Question 1

Where is Holderness coast located?

Answer 1

On the East coast of England

Question 2

How far and from which points does the Holderness coast extend from?

Answer 2

61km from Flamborough in the North to Spurn Point in the South

Question 3

What is the rate of erosion on the coastline?

Answer 3

2 metres per year

Question 4

How many tones of material is eroded per year?

Answer 4

2 million

Question 5

How many miles of land has been lost since the roman times?

Answer 5

3

Question 6

What is the geology of the Holderness coast?

Answer 6

The bedrock is made up of Cretaceous Chalk, in most places this is covered by glacial till which is soft boulder clay being rapidly eroded

Question 7

What are two main reasons the area is eroding rapidly?

Answer 7

1. The result of strong prevailing winds and destructive waves
2. Cliffs are made of soft boulder clay

Question 8

Name 5 impacts of the erosion in Holderness?

Answer 8

Decrease in tourism and population
Loss of land and property to the sea
Need for costly coastal management
Flooding in low-lying areas
Risk to gas terminal in Easington

Question 9

Which towns in Holderness are protected by a sea wall?

Answer 9

Bridlington
Hornsea

Question 10

What towns in Holderness are protected by rock armour?

Answer 10

Hornsea
Spurnhead