Topic Summaries

Case study – managing coastlines

IGCSE > Geography > Pearson IGCSE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Management strategies for coastal landscapes > Case study – managing coastlines
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Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Energy supply

Holderness coastline
Key details

Location: north-east England

Erosion rate: retreats at 1–2 metres per year, one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe
Reasons for management

Geology: the cliffs are made of soft clay, which erodes quickly, especially when saturated by rain.

Longshore drift: strong prevailing winds move material southwards, reducing beach size and exposing cliffs.
Management strategies

Groynes: two groynes were built to trap sediment and create a wider beach, protecting the cliffs from waves.

Rock armour: large boulders were placed at the base of the cliffs to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion.
Effects and conflcits

Tourism: increased litter, hazards, and demand for facilities, increasing pressure on local infrastructure.

Sustainability: rising sea levels mean future defences must consider long-term sustainability (groynes causing increased erosion down the coast at Mappleton)

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