EROSION CONTROL

INTRODUCTION:
Shore erosion is caused primarily by wind driven waves and to a little extent by
the disturbances from passing boats. Velocity of the wind, duration and expansion
of open water due to wind blows, are the predominant factors for causing waves
which attack shore line and erode.

Results of Erosion:
1) Erosion of beach causing under-mining in deep shore lines.
2) Slumping of the bank/shore and
3) Removal of transportation and deposition of embankment/bank sediments
along the shore line.

Discussion on Erosion:
Shallow depths near the shore reduce wave actions. Hence a shore line would
receive fewer waves if it consists of shoals, tidal flats, off shore bunds and or
marsh (natural vegetation) along the shore. Wider beaches can with-stand more
wave pressures, than narrow beaches, in turn resulting less shore erosion. Water
levels influence the erosion to a great extent. Generally water levels are
influenced by the seasons, tides, storms and sieches (slashing action of water).
Seasonal storms affect the movement of water, intensity and the level, intensity
of wind and makes changes in erosion pattern. The velocity of water determines
the amount of sand transported to the shore. Large quantities and heavier sands
be deposited along the shore line with the help larger waves and fast moving
currents. Fine grained sediments are generally transported to the deeper sections
off-shore. Ground water discharge through rocks (joints) in sediments as well as
wave action, causes the shore line erosion and in turn causing slumping of
sediments from banks/embankment adjacent to the shore.
The rate of erosion is dependent on the erosional force attacking shoreline,soil
composition of banks/embankment, beach or marsh along the shore.
Shoreline protection from erosion can be done by gentle sloping of shore lines,
beaches and planting marshes on the shore.

Marsh Plantation:
Marshes are important measures of maintaining Eco system between shore and
open water front. Marshes provide excellent habitat for many plants and animals
species. Sometimes these are recreational and of commercially important also.
Many environment factors influence the successful functioning of marshes.
Marshes can be developed in conjunction with sills, low laying rock walls, biologs
and bundles of natural martial like coconut fibers staked into ground, to protect
for sea/water currents/waves.
Important point is that the marsh plants should get enough sunlight, proper
grading/bedding of filling, for stability of marsh. Spartina grasses are
recommended for marsh and the marsh zones shall be separated into two, high
marsh zone and low marsh zone. Use of fencing is recommended for the
protection of marshes from water fowl such as 'geese', which eat plant plugs.
In areas where high cliffs are present along the shore, marshes can not prevent
the tops of cliffs from erosion, resulting from heavy run-off. Such areas must be
stabilized with construction of retaining wall or by providing gabions along the
cliffs. Marshes in conjunction with low profile sill or break water are sometimes
preferable to trap sediment and maintain marsh to serve its intended purpose.
Staggered or dog logged sills are important features in marshes, for flushing and
wild life access to the shore.
Important points in design/construction of marsh are:
1) Use primary sandy soil as base material for plants. Not more than 10% of
soil shall pass through 75 micron sieve.
2) Low marsh zone shall be covered by water during mean high tide.
3) Ensure that the marsh plants get enough sun light during day.
4) Never place rock directly on marsh or as a revetment. Place base of sill at
the line of mean low tide line with sides slopes of sill as 1.5:1.
5) The height of sill as 0-1ft above the mean high tide line.
6) Opening sills shall be staggered to allow for flushing, sediment deposition
and wild life access.