Sec 3Coastal Protection Measures Soft Engineering
- 2. Soft engineering Stabilising coastal dunes The dunes form as a result of the vegetation trapping and stabilising the sand. The dunes extend several kilometres inland and to height of more than 100 metres. Plant vegetation to trap and bind the sand together, preventing sand from being blown away.
- 6. Soft engineering Planting mangroves along the shore Mangrove trees have prop roots or kneed roots that anchor the trees firmly in the muddy soil. These roots also bind the loose soil and protect it from erosion.
- 11. Soft engineering Beach nourishment This involve adding large amounts of sand to a beach that is being eroded. Longshore drift removes the sand from the beach and carries it further down the coast. People will bring in sand from other areas and deposit the sand onto the beach again.
- 16. Soft engineering Encourage growth of coral reefs Coral reefs are masses of rock like substance called corals growing in shallow water. They protect beaches against coastal erosion by reducing the speed of the waves approaching the coast. Resulting the waves losing most of their energy.
- 20. Coastal Protection Management Comparison of the Effectiveness of Coastal Management Protection Measures – Hard Engineering Need regular maintenance Weaken wave energy Reduce coastal erosion Gabions Erosion on parts of coast not protected by groynes Protect coast from high energy waves Encourage build-up of beach Groynes Erosion on parts of coast not protected by breakwaters Protect coast from high energy waves Encourage build-up of beach Breakwaters Erosion may lead to collapse of seawall Costly Absorb shock of waves Reduce erosion of shore Seawalls Disadvantages Advantages
- 21. Coastal Protection Management Comparison of the Effectiveness of Coastal Management Protection Measures – Soft Engineering Can affect the depth of coasts – implications for port activities/coastal transportation Helps trap sediments to form islands Prevents coastal erosion Planting of mangroves Affects investment opportunities in coastal areas Allows nature to take its course Avoids loss of lives and properties Relocation properties Expensive Affects marine ecosystem Requires constant supply of new sand Improves beach quality Improves storm protection Beach nourishment Disadvantages Advantages
- 22. Coastal Protection Management Comparison of the Effectiveness of Coastal Management Protection Measures – Soft Engineering - Reduces wave energy Encourages the growth of living organisms Improves fishing opportunities Growth of coral reefs Dunes are easily eroded if vegetation is not present Vegetation growing on dunes anchor sand Protects coast from sea Stabilizing dunes Disadvantages Advantages