Coastal Defences - Sea Walls - Advantages and disadvantages table in GCSE Geography

Created by: ExamQueen101
Created on: 16-12-19 11:35


	Coastal Defences - Sea Walls
	Advantages Gives a sense of security Often has a promenade on top of it, which people can use to walk or cycle on Steps at the base of the wall act as seating areas for beach users If well maintained, sea walls can last for many years Sea walls do not stop the movement of sediment down the coast, so they do not disadvantage other areas Effectively halts local erosion	Disadvantages Can restrict access to the beach If waves break over the wall (overtopping), coastal flooding may occur Expensive at £5000 per meter. Repairs are also expensive Reflective waves scour / erode the beach in front of a sea wall, undermining foundations. To reduce this, rock armour or beach nourishment may be needed, adding to the cost. Ugly Can destroy habitats
	Evaluation These defenses are a concrete structure providing a barrier between the sea and the land. They can be recurved or flat. The energy of the waves is absorbed or reflected by the recurved sea wall. When reflected, the next wave coming in is reduced in energy. These defenses are a good choice in many ways as the only real disadvantages occur in the cost, the aesthetics and the restriction of access to the beach. However, in my opinion, the looks and restriction do not matter too terribly because they are a small price to pay for long-term protection. The destruction of habitats is more serious but it can be countered by enhancing them in other locations nearby. Having said that, some would argue that sea walls stop the natural process of the beach reshaping itself over time.

Coastal Defences - Sea Walls

Advantages

Gives a sense of security
Often has a promenade on top of it, which people can use to walk or cycle on
Steps at the base of the wall act as seating areas for beach users
If well maintained, sea walls can last for many years
Sea walls do not stop the movement of sediment down the coast, so they do not disadvantage other areas
Effectively halts local erosion

Disadvantages

Can restrict access to the beach
If waves break over the wall (overtopping), coastal flooding may occur
Expensive at £5000 per meter. Repairs are also expensive
Reflective waves scour / erode the beach in front of a sea wall, undermining foundations. To reduce this, rock armour or beach nourishment may be needed, adding to the cost.
Ugly
Can destroy habitats

Evaluation

These defenses are a concrete structure providing a barrier between the sea and the land. They can be recurved or flat. The energy of the waves is absorbed or reflected by the recurved sea wall. When reflected, the next wave coming in is reduced in energy. These defenses are a good choice in many ways as the only real disadvantages occur in the cost, the aesthetics and the restriction of access to the beach. However, in my opinion, the looks and restriction do not matter too terribly because they are a small price to pay for long-term protection. The destruction of habitats is more serious but it can be countered by enhancing them in other locations nearby. Having said that, some would argue that sea walls stop the natural process of the beach reshaping itself over time.

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Coastal Defences - Sea Walls