Beach Erosion Research Paper

1529 Words4 Pages

Introduction
Issue
Coastal erosion can be defined as the permanent loss of sand from a beach dune system and can be caused by both natural and human-based influences. It is of an ever-growing global significance in coastal regions as it is associated with loss of housing, infrastructure and ecosystems protecting biodiversity. Coastal erosion is therefore interconnected to deposition and pollution.

Aim
To evaluate the management Collaroy/Narrabeen by the Northern Beaches council against Clifton Hawkes Bay.

Focus Questions
What methods are currently used to manage erosion in the coastal areas of Collaroy/Narrabeen?
What is the coastal management program of Clifton Hawkes Bay
What are the opinions of local residents in regard to managing erosion …show more content…

50 metres have been eroded from the beaches due to huge waves and king tides, damaging waterfront properties, inundating businesses and flooding inland areas.

Figure 2 Narrabeen & Collaroy Map Source: ResearchGate

Methodology

Photos

Photographic evidence was recorded using a phone to record the extent of damages caused by coastal erosion and management strategies currently implemented at Narrabeen/Collaroy. This includes evidence of damage on various waterfront property and the coastline exploring the negative impact of erosion caused by destructive waves and king tides.

Survey (see appendix a)

A survey was conducted consisting of 10 questions regarding erosion, targeting the residents of the Northern Beaches Council. The survey was distributed online, through social media such as Facebook and email. 15 responses were given, however 3 were considered invalid due to the fact that they did not reside In the Northern Beaches Council area.

Information from the Coastal Environmental Centre

Information was collected throughout a visit to the Coastal Environmental Centre such as measurements and observations. Different factors regarding the atmosphere and hydrosphere in the area were recorded in order to understand the process of longshore drift and …show more content…

The management strategies implemented in Hawke's Bay after this devastating incident consisted of hard engineering as well as managed retreat.

Figure 3 Damage to waterfront property Source: tonkinntaylor
The Seawall
Hard engineering as a form of coastal management involves structures along the coastline, aiming to dissipate wave energy or trap sand to widen the beach. This form of coastal protection works towards protecting the land and the structural development behind it. Hard engineering is a more environment-based change. The Hawke's Bay Regional Council has erected a seawall, designed mainly to resist wave action and create a physical barrier between the sea and land. It is constructed from concrete and stone and is stepped (figures 5 & 6).

Figure 5 Stepped, recurved seawall Source: MarkedByTeachers.
Managed Retreat

Managed retreat offers a more human-based change, allowing coastal processes to behave naturally. The council has commenced a managed retreat plan aiming to run over the next 50-100 years, allowing the course of nature to slowly revert back to its natural process. The cost of managed retreat costs $4.3m to

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