Coastal management

Start with coastal change

The resources on this page offer several ways into coastal management. Start with the mind map on coastal change and conflict, which covers how waves erode the coast through processes such as hydraulic action, abrasion and attrition. The mind map on the coast also brings together causes of shore erosion, including storms, sea level rise and coastal development.

For wave vocabulary, use Geography Coasts. Its flashcards ask about wave formation, constructive and destructive waves, swash and fetch. Another flashcard deck covers coastal landforms and longshore drift.

Move on to management

Coastline Management introduces shoreline management plans and distinguishes hard engineering from soft engineering. It includes structures such as sea walls and groynes. Follow it with the mind map on managing coasts, which describes rock armour and sea walls, including how they respond to wave energy.

The Method to protect the coast flashcards cover methods such as rock armour, revetments, groynes and beach replenishment. Use them to recall the methods, then return to the mind maps to connect each one with the wider management picture.

Use the collection together

The mind map on Adelaide's coastline raises issues including sand supply, dunes and coastal water quality. South Devon & Dorset provides another setting for looking at shoreline management plans. These resources can help you connect the general methods with the places described on the page.

As a section of the Coasts unit in Geology and earth sciences, Coastal management brings the page's material on waves and erosion together with ways of managing the coast. After studying a map and some flashcards, use the quiz to check what you remember. Try the quiz, then make a map or flashcards of your own.