Hard Stabilization and Beach Erosion

Introduction

Hard stabilisation is the human-made measure like putting up of structures to control erosion which is a result of powerful forces eroding the shoreline structures carrying the sand down the cost.  The beach is highly surrounded by strong winds and waves resulting in erosion hence disrupting the aesthetic beauty brought by the shore and altering the natural ecosystem.

Methods of Hard Stabilization

There many techniques used in hard stabilisation chosen according to the geographical location of the beach and the level of erosion that takes place. The metros include construction of groin, seawalls, breakwaters revetment and jetties. 

Construction of Groin

A groin is a solid standardisation structure built at a right angle to the shore in to maintain or widen the beaches by trapping sand moving down the coast because of natural actions of waves and currents. However, groins have a limitation since the trapping of sediment on the uplift side results in accretion of shoreline causing erosion on the downdrift side caused by an interruption in longshore transport.  Groins are readily available in     New Jersey at the sea beach.

Sea Walls

A sea wall is an erected embankment that preventing the sea from eroding or encroaching the land area. The primary purpose of a sea wall is to give protection to areas of habitation by humans, conservations and the leisure activities from the actions caused by tides waves and tsunamis.  The construction of sea walls is expensive and requires timely maintenance without which the wall might fall from continues erosion caused by the powerful waves. The sea walls can be found in many areas across the United States like along the Charlotte County Seawalls and Duncan seawalls Dock –Boat lift in Sarasota, Florida

Breakwaters

Backwater is a barrier constructed into the sea to protect the harbour from facing forces associated with waves thereby reducing soil erosion. The breakwaters may also be small structures that are designed to offer protection to gently sloping beaches placed in relatively shallow waters. Breakwaters can be found in California along Alamitos Bay. 

Revetment

A revetment is made out of planks laid against frames and placed on banks to absorb the energy of incoming water.  The concrete revetments are common in the Mississippi River to control the erosion.

Jetties  

A jetty is a structure projecting from land into the sea onto which boats can be moored or dock protecting erosion by not allowing water from the land as seen along the Great Salt Lake in Utah state. More so, the jetties offer protection to the shoreline by acting as barriers against erosion caused by currents, tides and waves. The accumulation of sand causes erosion due to the creation of downshifting. In most instances, the solution is to build another jetty making the process endless.