Fieldwork and Research to investigate rates of coastal erosion

Fieldwork Sketch map - A map drawn from observation which represents the main features of an area. - Would show any areas of cliff collapse - Cliffs and infrastructure would be dangerously close to the cliff edge - Signposts warning about erosion - Show position of sea defences - Labelling the geology of the cliff would show if it were prone to erosion Research Old maps - www.oldmaps.com - Show how the coastline has changed and rates of erosions -Show previous positions of bouildings Compared to: GIS mapping sites - www.maps.google.co.uk - Show position of current buildings and features - Can show sea defences, landslides, areas at risk etc. Newspaper articles - www.bournemouthecho.co.uk - Articles may highlight what problems erosion is causing - More negative articles mean erosion is worse - May talk about loss of infrastructure, overall risk, coastal management which would show that a fast rate of erosion is occurring. Geology maps - Show what rocks the cliff is made of - Weaker rocks mean that erosion is likely to happen at a faster rate

Observing wave type and frequency - Count the number of waves a minute and observe whether they are strong or weak - Destructive with a high frequency means the coast will erode more rapidly

Taking photos - Show damage cause by erosion - Show the rock types of the cliff - Photograph sea defences - Evidence of exposed clay, fallen material, landslides and damaged infrastructure indicate erosion is happening Bipolar analysis - Could be done to rate coastal defences - eg. Rip-rap - eg. Vulnerable to erosion, short lifespan, disturbs natural processes and habitats - Low number means coastal erosion is having more of an impact Questionnaires and interviews with local people - To see if they have been affected badly by coastal erosion - Can be done to see if they think the coastal defences are working - Negative responses mean that erosion is a severe problem

Coastal erosion maps - www.environment-agency.gov.uk - Show the types of coastal management that are taking place - eg. Hold the line, managed retreat - Lots of coastal management suggests high erosion rates

Coastal erosion at Barton on sea

Areas at risk: Barton on sea, Highcliff and Christchurch bay Barton on sea: Rates of erosion up to 2m per year - 60m since 1971 Managed retreat: Forms of erosion are too destructive, other forms of management dont work Geology Mass movement 1) Rain infiltrates the gravel making the top layer very heavy 2) Water builds up on the boundary between gravel and clay 3i) This is very slippery so the gravel slides off 3ii) The water is very heavy which causes the clay to slump

Marine processes: - Strong destructive waves gain power as they have a very long fetch of 3000 miles across the North Atlantic - Abrasion and hydraulic action Human factors: - Infrastructure adds weight to cliff making it prone to slumping - Building of pipes/ cables underground makes it unstable - Impermeable tarmac increases surface run off - Groynes at Highcliff on sea starve the beach of nourishment/ sediment - No beach, Barton open to the full force of waves