Soft structures are considered to be a more environmentally friendly method of coastal protection. They are not permanent structures and are used to repair damage caused by destructive waves. The most common forms of soft coastal protection are beach nourishment and sand dune repair.
: Fig. 11.27 Beach nourishment Beach Nourishment
Beach nourishment involves adding new sand to beaches, increasing their thickness and width. This is done by dredging sand from offshore and transporting it to the beach. This helps to prevent erosion and increases the recreational value of the beach. This was carried out in Rosslare, Co. Wexford in the 1960s. Although effective, beach nourishment is a very expensive and labour-intensive method of coastal protection.
EDUCATE YOURSELF Coastal Management
Hard structures Sea walls, gabions, groynes, rock armour Soft structures Beach nourishment, sand dune repair
11.6 Identifying Coastal Features
Sand Dune Repair
Sand dunes are protected from erosion by planting Marram grass. The roots of the Marram bind the sand together and make it more resistant to wind erosion. It is the most environmentally friendly form of coastal protection as it does not affect other coastal areas.
on OS Maps As part of the exam, students are often asked to identify coastal features of erosion and deposition on an OS map.
B A = Cliff:
packed contour lines at the coastline indicate a steep fall
B = Headland: a piece of land jutting out into the sea next to a bay/beach
C = Sea stack: a speck of land separated from the coastline
D = Geo: E = Beach: F = Bay:
a narrow inlet indicating a line of weakness
the most obvious feature of deposition as it is marked in yellow on a map
a curved inlet surrounded by headlands, usually occupied by a beach
: Fig. 11.28 Features of erosion and deposition on an OS map 216 EARTH C D A
