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All you need to know about Hard Engineering Options for Coastal Management!
Erosion from the sea and weathering are the two main causes for the physical transformation of coastlines. It involves the wearing and breaking down of rocks. Both hard and soft rock are found on coastlines and these erode at different rates (see our song "Headlands and Bays"), meaning castal defences are necessary to combat erosion at high levels.
Similarly to engineering options with rivers, there are two groups of methods for controlling erosion - soft and hard engineering options. Soft options often see the use of strategy involving the natural landscape along a coastline. Hard options often see man-made, constructed/manufactured pieces of equipment used to stop or lessen the damage caused by erosion or longshore drift.
Soft Engineering Options along Coasts include:
As with all defences, soft engineering options have advantages and disadvantages. They are relatively inexpensive options compared to hard engineering choices, and have less impact on the environment. They are also much more sustainable, economically and environmentally. They can, however, need constant maintenance like beach nourishment, as well as stop settlements being able to be built near coastlines. For any housing that is built along the coastline however, if damage is done by flooding or erosion, government bodies will be liable to pay compensation to residents living there.
Make sure to listen to our music video on Soft Engineering Options for Coasts, remember all the lyrics, and then take a shot at our test!
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