Impact on erosion

• What processes are active in coastal erosion?

  Hydraulic action, abrasion, compression, and solution
• How much of the Irish coastline is at risk from erosion?

  1,500 km
• What are hard methods used for in coastal areas?

  To prevent erosion
• What do hard methods consist of?

  Carefully designed structures to protect the coast
• What is a common structure used to protect valuable land from erosion?

  Sea walls
• Where are sea walls often built?

  At the back of beaches near coastal towns
• How do curved sea walls function to protect the coast?

  They direct wave force away from valuable land
• Where has a curved sea wall been built?

  Near the town in Lahinch, Co. Clare
• What is rock armour used for?

  To further prevent erosion
• How does rock armour work?

  It absorbs wave energy when waves hit
• What are gabions?

  Wire mesh cages filled with stones
• Where are gabions placed to prevent erosion?

  At the base of a cliff
• How do gabions help in erosion prevention?

  They absorb wave action and dissipate energy
• Where are gabions used to prevent erosion?

  In Youghal, Co. Cork