How does sand mining worsen coastal erosion?4 answersSand mining exacerbates coastal erosion by disrupting sediment transport and causing morphological changes in coastal areas. Sand extraction from beaches and river beds reduces sediment flow alongshore and seawards, leading to increased erosion rates. Additionally, illegal sand mining contributes to the erosion of coastlines, as seen in studies from Odisha, India, and Ngapali, Myanmar. The removal of sand affects the natural stabilization provided by dunes and native vegetation, making coastal areas more vulnerable to erosion from wind and waves. Furthermore, indiscriminate sand mining alters river channels, destroys habitats, increases flow velocity, and leads to the loss of vegetation, all of which contribute to accelerated erosion of river banks and coastal lands.
How does sand mining excacerbate coastal erosion?5 answersSand mining exacerbates coastal erosion through various mechanisms. Unsystematic sand mining significantly impacts the environment and micro-ecology, leading to coastal erosion. Sand extraction from beaches and river beds lowers streambed elevation, accelerates erosion, and disrupts the adjoining groundwater system, affecting the coastal ecosystem. Studies show that sand mining reduces sediment flow alongshore and seawards, causing morphological changes like increased deposition at mining locations and higher erosion rates in neighboring areas. While sand mining itself may only be a fraction of the total sand movement along the shore, it can contribute to the erosion process, especially when not done sensibly. Therefore, the cumulative effect of sand mining activities can worsen coastal erosion over time, impacting the natural balance of coastal areas.
What is coastal erosion?5 answersCoastal erosion refers to the displacement of land caused by destructive sea waves, currents, or tides. It is a natural phenomenon that is becoming a growing problem along coastlines worldwide. Coastal erosion can be influenced by both natural factors, such as tides, storms, sea waves, change in sea level, winds, and weathering, as well as anthropogenic effects along the shore. It is a major setback for countries with coastlines, impacting both coastal populations and the ecological balance. The erosion of coastlines can lead to the loss of beaches and land, posing a threat to coastal communities and ecosystems. Efforts have been made to mitigate coastal erosion using various structures and techniques, such as groynes and breakwaters. Understanding the factors contributing to coastal erosion is crucial for effective management and mitigation strategies.
What are the intrinsic factors that influence coastal erosion?4 answersCoastal erosion is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Intrinsic factors that contribute to coastal erosion include sea level changes, storms and waves, sediment supply and transport, and the type of dental substrate. Sea level changes, both postglacial and recent, can lead to shoreline change. Storms and waves, such as dune recession and overwash, can cause erosion along the coastline. Sediment supply and transport, including longshore drift and tidal dynamics, also play a role in coastal erosion. Additionally, in the case of dental erosion, biological factors such as saliva, acquired dental pellicle, tooth structure, and positioning in relation to soft tissues and tongue can contribute to erosion development. These intrinsic factors interact with each other and with extrinsic factors to shape the process of coastal erosion.
What are the factors that affect coastal erosion?4 answersCoastal erosion is influenced by various factors. Natural factors such as wind, waves, and storm surge play a significant role in causing erosion. Climate change and anthropogenic activities also contribute to coastal erosion, especially in flat and low-lying coastal areas. Human activities like building coastal structures, modifying sediment flux, and clearing coastal ecosystems can lead to erosion. Additionally, the occurrence of natural disasters such as tsunamis and extreme storms can accelerate erosion. Changes in sea level, storms and waves, and sediment supply and transport are major causes of shoreline change and erosion. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing coastal vulnerability and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
How does climate change affect coastal erosion?5 answersClimate change has significant impacts on coastal erosion. Rising sea levels, changing storm patterns, and other climate-related factors contribute to increased erosion rates, loss of beaches and dunes, damage to infrastructure and property, and loss of habitat for coastal ecosystems. Coastal flooding and erosion are interconnected, and neglecting erosion can lead to spurious flood risk projections. Coastal erosion affects coastal communities, weakens foundations, causes habitat loss, and impacts tourism, leading to economic and socio-psychological problems. Predicting coastal evolution and erosion is crucial for sustainable coastal management, but it is challenging due to the complex interplay of natural processes and anthropic activities. Understanding and addressing coastal erosion risks require adaptation strategies and effective decision-making, considering uncertainties in climate change-related erosion forcing conditions. By adopting sustainable mitigation measures such as coastal protection structures, beach nourishment, and ecosystem-based approaches, the impacts of climate change on coastal erosion can be mitigated, fostering sustainable coastal development.