Coastal Dynamics and Stabilization Techniques

Soft stabilization is the addition of vegetation or sand to stabilize the shoreline.

Beach nourishment is the process of replenishing sand and sediment lost during erosion.

Some disadvantages of beach nourishment include high cost, the need for constant replenishment, and the potential negative impact on local marine life.

<p>Hard stabilization is the use of man-made protective structures to control erosion. Structures like groins are built at right angles to the shore to prevent the movement of sand down the coast and maintain the beach, while structures like breakwaters and seawalls are built parallel to the beach to protect the coast from the force of waves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An alternative to hard stabilization is relocation, which involves moving structures away from the eroding beach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The lighthouse was relocated because waves continually threatened the structure despite the use of hard stabilization structures and beach nourishment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some drawbacks of hard stabilization include taking away from the aesthetic beauty of the beach and interfering with the natural ecosystem, threatening habitats and nesting grounds of native shoreline species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Beach nourishment is an alternative to hard stabilization, which involves adding sand or sediment to the beach to replenish eroded areas and restore its natural appearance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Relocation involves moving structures and infrastructure away from the eroding coastline to protect them from erosion. It is an alternative to hard stabilization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The wind, waves, and currents are the powerful forces that constantly change the shoreline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The historic Cape Hatteras lighthouse in North Carolina.</p> Signup and view all the answers