Holderness Coast (Why It Needs To Be Managed)

• Where is the Holderness Coast?

  • The Holderness Coast is on the east coast of England, in Yorkshire, along the North Sea.
  • It stretches 61 km from Flamborough Head to Spurn Point.
  • One of Europe’s fastest eroding coastlines, losing 1–2 metres per year
• Why is erosion happening rapidly on the Holderness Coast?

  • Soft rock (boulder clay) erodes easily.
  • Powerful waves from the North Sea.
  • Longshore drift moves sediment south, exposing cliffs.
  • Weathering and mass movement weaken cliffs.
• What are the effects of erosion on the Holderness Coast?

  • Loss of farmland, roads, and homes.
  • Villages like Skipsea are at risk.
  • Tourism and businesses suffer.
• What coastal protection methods are used on the Holderness Coast?

  • Sea wall: reflects wave energy back into sea, preventing erosion and reducing the risk of flooding
  • Groynes: trap sand, building up the beach, which absorbs wave energy and slows longshore drift
  • Rock armour: absorbs wave impact, breaking waves before they reach the cliffs and reducing erosion
• Why is Hornsea heavily protected?

  • Large town (8,000+ people) – Homes and jobs need protection.
  • Tourism is important – Beaches attract visitors and businesses.
  • Infrastructure – Roads, services, and businesses rely on protection.
  • Rapid erosion threatens the town without defences.
• How effective are the defences at Hornsea?

  Strengths:

  • The sea wall protects the town from erosion and flooding.
  • Groynes keep sand on the beach, reducing wave energy.
  • Rock armour absorbs wave impact, protecting cliffs.

  Weaknesses:

  • Groynes cause erosion further south, making other areas worse.
  • Sea wall is expensive and needs maintenance.
  • Rock armour can move in strong waves, reducing its protection
• Sea defences at Hornsea:

  • Groynes
  • Rock armour
  • Sea wall
• Sea defences at Mappleton:

  • 2 large groynes
  • Rock armour imported from Norway
• Sea defences at Easington:

  Rock armour- 1km
• Easington effectiveness of sea defences

  Strengths:

  • Protects the Easington Gas Terminal, which supplies 25% of UK gas.
  • Rock armour absorbs wave energy, reducing erosion near the terminal.

  Weaknesses:

  • Only protects the gas terminal, leaving Easington village at risk.
  • Erosion could increase further south due to disrupted sediment movement.
  • Rock armour needs maintenance, as waves can move the boulders.
• Mappleton effectiveness of sea defences:

  Strengths:

  • Groynes trap sand, building up the beach and reducing erosion near Mappleton.
  • Rock armour absorbs wave energy, protecting the cliffs.
  • Homes and the main coastal road (B1242) are protected from erosion.

  Weaknesses:

  • Increased erosion further south, especially at Cowden, due to interrupted longshore drift.
  • Some farmland and smaller settlements remain unprotected.
  • Rock armour requires maintenance, as strong waves can move the boulders.