Question 1: Define 'hard engineering' in the context of coastal management.

Answer: Hard engineering involves the use of artificial structures like sea walls and groynes to prevent coastal erosion.

Question 2: What is 'soft engineering' in coastal management? Give an example.

Answer: Soft engineering uses natural processes and sustainable techniques, such as beach nourishment or managed retreat.

Question 3: Name the UK coastline famous for rapid erosion and frequent management interventions.

Answer: The Holderness Coast in East Yorkshire.

Question 4: Explain the term 'sediment accretion' and its significance in coastal management.

Answer: Sediment accretion is the gradual buildup of sediment, which can help to rebuild beaches and protect the coastline from erosion.

Question 5: Define 'coastal vulnerability' with regard to climate change impacts.

Answer: Coastal vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of coastal areas to damage from sea-level rise, storms, and erosion.

Question 1: Which UK region is most associated with the use of groynes for coastal protection?

Answer: The Holderness Coast

Question 2: Name two types of soft engineering methods used in UK coastal management.

Answer: Beach nourishment and managed retreat.

Question 3: What is the main reason for implementing sea walls along the Brighton coastline?

Answer: To prevent flooding and protect properties from wave attack.

Question 4: Identify a UK coastline where coastal erosion has led to the relocation of communities.

Answer: The Holderness Coast.

Question 5: What role does sediment deposition play in coastal management?

Answer: It helps to rebuild beaches, providing natural protection against erosion.

Question 1: Describe the main causes of rapid erosion along the Holderness Coast.

Answer: The main causes include soft boulder clay geology, strong prevailing winds, long fetch of the North Sea, and human activities such as groynes disrupting sediment transport.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of sea walls versus managed retreat at the Holderness Coast.

Answer: Sea walls provide immediate protection but can be expensive and lead to increased erosion elsewhere. Managed retreat allows natural processes to occur, reducing costs and ecological impact, but results in loss of land and property. Both strategies have benefits and limitations depending on economic, environmental, and social factors.

Question 3: Identify a recent intervention used at Hornsea to combat erosion and discuss its advantages.

Answer: The construction of a new sea wall, which provides a durable barrier against waves and protects the town from flooding.

Question 4: Discuss the impact of coastal erosion on local communities along the Holderness Coast.

Answer: Erosion leads to loss of homes, farmland, and infrastructure, forcing relocations and economic decline. It also affects local tourism and increases the demand for costly management strategies.

Question 1: Explain why soft engineering methods are often preferred in areas with high environmental value.

Answer: Soft engineering methods are more sustainable and environmentally friendly, preserving natural habitats and allowing for natural coastal processes to continue.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of increased coastal erosion in the UK over recent decades.

Answer: Causes include rising sea levels due to climate change, increased storm frequency and intensity, human activities such as construction and groyne placement, and natural geological vulnerabilities. These factors contribute to accelerated erosion rates and necessitate adaptive management.

Question 1: To what extent are sea defenses a sustainable solution for coastal management in the UK? Evaluate considering economic, environmental, and social factors.

Answer: Sea defenses provide immediate protection and help safeguard property and infrastructure, making them economically attractive. However, they can be expensive to maintain, potentially harm coastal ecosystems, and may lead to increased erosion downstream. Sustainable management requires integrating hard and soft strategies, considering long-term environmental impacts, and involving local communities to ensure resilience and ecological balance.