Essex marshes - managed retreat

Question 1

Why was coastal management needed along the Essex Coast?

Answer 1

Sea levels are rising by 6mm per year causing increased flooding and erosion

Question 2

Give two reasons for the sea levels rise

Answer 2

• Global warming
• Isostatic readjustment causing the land to sink

Question 3

What did they do to reduce flooding and erosion?

Answer 3

The sea wall was breached at Abbots Hall farm and moved further back allowing for the creation of a salt marsh.

Question 4

How will the creation of a salt marsh reduce flooding and erosion elsewhere?

Answer 4

• The land can flood here reducing flooding elsewhere.
• Wave energy is dissipated across the salt marsh reducing the energy of the waves and therefore erosion on other parts of the coast.

Question 5

Name two benefits of the coastal management scheme

Answer 5

• Reduced pressure on sea walls further along the coast
• Less flooding further along the coast
• Natural flood defences