Slapton sands

Question 1

Processes at start bay

Answer 1

At headland, start point, experiences erosion (hydraulic power, wave quarrying, solution, abrasion). Headland.

Question 2

Location

Answer 2

Back of start bay.
Behind the barrier beach is a lagoon call Slapton ley.
South east Devon.

Question 3

Slapton sands

Answer 3

4km long
Composed of sand and shingle
A379 road (which has been realigned-moved inland twice).
Protects the freshwater from contamination of the ocean.
Ridge has been rebuilt due to coastal erosion.
Slapton is a vulnerable area during winter, storm surges and flooding.

Question 4

Torcross (small village)

Answer 4

South end of Slapton sands.
Encounters many storms during winter.
Sea levels have reached up to 9.1m (1979)
Properties experience 1m of flooding.
Experiences the effects of longshore drift (large amounts of wave energy)
-increases damage and severity of area.

Question 5

Sea wall at Torcross.

Answer 5

1980, sea wall built to protect village.
Cost £2 million
Devon county council involved
Estimated to last about 100 years.
Also protects base of cliffs from erosion and undercutting and allows access to the beach (increases tourism)
HOWEVER
sea wall does not absorb wave energy (reflects it back out=strong backwash casing beach to shrink-carries sediment away).
COLLAPSED in 2016 due to high tide.

Question 6

A379 road

Answer 6

Wanted to try and reduce the impact on the environment so used soft engineering methods.
This road experiences a lot of erosion.
Road is important as it’s used as a main access and mean of transportation for small businesses.
2001-RIP RAP BOULDERS introduced to protect the road from further damage. BOULDERS have now been moved to protect the settlement Beesands.
Road eventually realigned (moved inland)
-allowed the sea to reclaim the sea front (MANAGED RETREAT)
Cost £15000
Built 2005-15
Estimated to last 5 years
Devon county council involved.