SMP

• What is the geology of the Holderness coast?

  It is made up of less resistant, boulder-clay and till in the South and more resistant, sedimentary chalk in the North.
• Why is the Holderness Coast important to Europe as a whole?

  It is the fastest eroding coastline in Europe.
• What is the intention of the SMP for Holderness?

  Shoreline Management Plan:

  > The intention is to develop a set of policies that provide an acceptable balance between the competing interests on the coast.

  > The SMP has split the coast into three stretches (zones) with differing policies.
• What are the policies for each of the three zones?

  1 . Flamborough Head - Sewerby (chalk cliffs)

  > Allow natural processes to continue

  2 . Sewerby - Kilnsea Coast (chalk and clay)

  > Allow natural processes to continue along the frontage

  > Sustain Bridlington, Hornsea and Withersea as viable coastal towns and seaside resorts

  > Sustain the village of Mappleton and the B1242 Road

  > Sustain Dimlington and Easington Gas Terminals

  3 . Spurn Head (spit)

  > Spurn barrier to evolve naturally with limited intervention

  > Maintain access to key facilities (lifeboat station) at Spurn Point
• When was the SMP completed?

  1998
• What features in the 3 coastal zones?

  1 . Flamborough Head - cave arch stack sequence (resistance).

  2 . Bridlington Bay - extensive zone of erosion and sediment transfer, rapid rate of cliff retreat (5km since Roman times, between 1-10m per year).

  3 . Spurn Head - Spit formed at the Humber Estuary.
• What is the coastal management conundrum of this area?

  Should erosion be halted to protect some small coastal villages and agricultural land whilst leaving other areas more vulnerable?