hard engineering

Question 1

what is hard engineering?

Answer 1

man made structures that aim to prevent erosion and are often very effective at preventing erosion in the desired area

Question 2

what are the three disadvantages of hard engineering?

Answer 2

high cost

significant environmental impacts due to use of concrete and other materials

reducing erosion in one area of the coastline but may exacerbate erosion elsewhere

Question 3

what is the description of a groyne and what are the pros and cons?

Answer 3

Description: Timber or rock protrusions that trap sediment from LSD

👍 Builds up beach, protecting cliff and
increasing tourist potential
👍 Cost effective

👎 Visually unappealing
👎 Deprives areas downwind of sediment increasing erosion elsewhere

Question 4

what is the description of a sea wall and what are the pros and cons?

Answer 4

Description: Concrete structures that absorb and reflect wave energy, with curved surface

👍 Effective erosion prevention
👍 Promenade has tourism benefits

👎 Visually unappealing
👎 Expensive to construct and maintain
👎 Wave energy reflected elsewhere, with impacts on erosion rates

Question 5

what is the description of revetments and what are the pros and cons?

Answer 5

Description: Wooden or concrete ramps that help absorb wave energy

👍 Cost effective

👎 Visually unappealing
👎 Can need constant maintenance, which creates an additional cost

Question 6

what is the description of rip rap/rock armour and what are the pros and cons?

Answer 6

Description: Large rocks that reduce wave energy, but allow water to flow through

👍 Cost effective
👎 Rocks are sourced from elsewhere, so do not fit with local geology

👎 Pose a hazard if climbed upon