Which beach needs protection?
A sea wall has changed conditions along a coast. Use the evidence before choosing what to do next.
Read the resource
| Site | Position relative to wall | Beach width in 2016 (m) | Beach width in 2026 (m) | Shoreline retreat (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | Updrift | 40 | 52 | 1 |
| South | Downdrift | 40 | 24 | 8 |
Waves approach obliquely from the north-east. Net longshore transport is towards the south. A photograph description records a narrow beach and exposed cliff at South. These are fictional observations.
Before you answer
Find the command, the subject and any limits: place, time, one or two reasons, and which resource to use.
For an explanation, connect the cause to the outcome. For a judgement, use evidence to explain how effective, important or convincing something is.
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0 of 4 checked
A fresh resource
| Option | Main benefit | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Replenish South beach | Wider beach absorbs wave energy | Sand needs replacing |
| Extend the wall | Protects a road directly | High cost; effects farther along coast |
Try it yourself
Recommend one option. Explain a benefit, a drawback and one piece of information you would want before deciding.
One possible answer
Replenishment could widen South beach and reduce energy reaching the cliff. It needs repeated spending as sediment moves away. Before choosing, I would compare maintenance costs and expected protection during storms. Extending the wall is also defensible if protecting the road is the priority, provided its wider effects are considered.
Check your answer: did you address the question, use accurate evidence and explain the link?