HUMAN MODIFICATION OF THE CARIBBEAN COASTAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

Humans have designed and constructed many methods to prevent the removal of
sand along the coast and modify the effects of waves.

Some of the following methods are:

1. Groynes

A groyne is best described as a low, heavy wall or finger-like framework of

wooden, steel or concrete barriers constructed at right angles to the beach to
retain material.

Some beaches will lose much of their sand or beach material. Beaches are a
natural defence against erosion and an attraction for tourist.

The idea of groynes is to capture sand that moves down the beach via longshore
drift and help build up a larger section of beach in front of an area that’s
experiencing coastal erosion.

The new beach will increase the distance that waves have to travel to reach the
coast and in the process, they will lose most of the energy, reducing their impact.
2. Sea Wall
Sea walls or dykes are built to prevent waves from reaching the areas behind
them. Sluice gates that are open at low tide prevent the sea water from reaching
inland, but allow drainage of the land behind the sea wall.

Sea walls are often stone or concrete, usually with curved tops, built to reflect
wave energy back on to the next advancing wave. Promenades and footpaths are
often built along the top of the wall.

Sea walls are used to protect parts of Guyana’s coast that are below sea level
3. Gabions
This is where rocks and boulders are encased in wired mesh looking baskets. The
coastal areas are strengthened by positioning these rock-filled wire baskets in
order to prevent marine erosion. Sometimes they are placed along the base of a
cliff to reduce the impact of waves. They do not prevent water from passing
through, but prevent erosion by waves in the areas behind the gabion wall.
 4.Green Engineering
Green engineering or soft engineering are often less expensive than hard
engineering options. They are usually more long term and sustainable, with less
impact on the environment.

There are three main types of green engineering methods.

*Beach nourishment

Beach nourishment or beach replenishment describes the process by which

sediment, usually sand, lost through longshore drift or erosion is replaced from
other sources.

Since the first project of its kind in the US at Coney Island NY, in 1922, coastal
managers have used beach nourishment, essentially importing sand to replace
sediment lost through storms or erosion, to restore damaged beaches, but it is
laborious and expensive.

*Marsh land creation

Marshland can be used to break up the waves and reduce their speed, reducing
the wave’s erosive power. The marshlands also limit the area by which waves
can reach preventing flooding. This vegetation can be created by encouraging
the growth of marshland plants such as glassworts.

*Beach Stabilization

The goal of beach stabilization is the same as beach nourishment’s goal, to widen
the beach and dissipate as much wave energy as possible before it reaches the
cliffs. Beach stabilization involves planting dead trees in the sun to stabilize it and
lower the profile of the beach while widening the beach.
GEOGRAPHY PROJECT: Human
Modification of the Coastal Environment

By: ADRIAN RAMSOOK

FORM 3A