Timber or rock structures built at right angles to the coast. They trap sediment being moved along the coast by longshore drift - building up the beach.
What are some advantages of groynes?
Some advantages of groynes are:
The built-up beach increases tourist potential and protects the land behind it
Groynes work with natural processes to build up the beach
They are not too expensive
What are some disadvantages of groynes?
Some disadvantages of groynes are:
Terminal groyne syndrome - groynes starve beaches further along the coast of fresh sediment because they interrupt longshore drift.
This often leads to increased erosion elsewhere
Groynes are unnatural and rock groynes can be unattractive
What is the cost of groynes?
£5000 to £10,000 each (at 200m intervals).
What is an example of a place where groynes are used?
