Human intervention in coastal landscapes: traditional approaches (hard and soft engineering)
Humans manage coastlines using two broad approaches. Hard engineering uses physical structures to resist wave energy. Soft engineering works with natural processes to reduce erosion or flooding.
Real World
Lyme Regis in Dorset spent £22 million on rock armour and a new sea wall completed in 2014, protecting the town centre but critics argued the scheme simply accelerated erosion on adjacent unprotected stretches.
Exam Focus
For 'assess' or 'evaluate' questions, always include a named disadvantage of the chosen strategy alongside its benefits — balance is explicitly rewarded in mark schemes.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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