Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
(b)
Fig. 8.17
(a) High-rise tourist development
on a barrier spit at Mar Menor, south-east
Spain fronted by a narrow, eroding beach.
Such intensive development inhibits the
ability of the shoreline to respond to changes
in sediment volume. (b) Coastal defence
structures on a shingle beach in Kent,
England. A series of stone and wooden
groynes has been used to trap and retain
shingle and a revetment has been
constructed on the back-beach, backed by
an armoured slope. This 'hold the line'
option seeks to counteract natural shoreline
behaviour in the face of reduced sediment
supply and relative sea-level rise. (c) Rapid
coastal retreat on the Outer Banks of North
Carolina (USA) near Nags Head has eroded
the sand dunes on which these houses were
constructed. The concrete septic tank was
originally buried in dunes. The construction
of sea walls is prohibited in this State and
thus the coastline can migrate at the expense
of poorly located developments. The houses
are now abandoned and must be removed by
the owners. This approach is consistent with
the 'managed retreat' or 'do nothing' coastal
management option.
(c)
