Coasts: Hard Engineering

The video discusses natural coastal processes like erosion and flooding, which pose challenges for coastal communities. It explains two main strategies for managing these processes: hard engineering and soft engineering. Hard engineering includes methods like sea walls and rock armour, which are costly and less sustainable. Soft engineering offers more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives for coastal protection.

What are some natural processes that affect coastal areas?

• Tornadoes and hurricanes

• Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes

• Erosion, flooding, and longshore drift

• Drought and desertification

Which of the following is a characteristic of hard engineering solutions?

• They are long-term and inexpensive

• They have a low impact on the environment

• They are primarily used in inland areas

• They are short-term and costly

What is the primary purpose of a sea wall?

• To absorb wave energy

• To create new beaches

• To increase the speed of coastal erosion

• To reflect wave energy back into the sea

Which hard engineering solution involves placing large boulders along the coastline?

• Rock armour (RIP rap)

• Groins

• Sea walls

• Revetments

What is a potential advantage of soft engineering over hard engineering?

• It requires more maintenance

• It is more expensive

• It is less sustainable

• It provides a more natural and cost-effective solution