How is coastal erosion affecting UK coastlines? | Newsround

Summary

The coastal village of Aldeburgh is facing the impacts of erosion, with parts of the village disappearing over time. Due to the soft soil and low-lying land, the cliffs are eroding rapidly, and many buildings, including hotels and caravan parks, have had to be relocated. Climate change is exacerbating the problem, with rising sea levels and more rainfall speeding up the process. Coastal defenses are being implemented, but due to costs and low population density in some areas, not all regions can be protected. Erosion also contributes to the nourishment of coastal ecosystems, making it crucial to balance protection with natural processes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The village of Aldeburgh is beautiful but is being affected by coastal erosion, causing parts of the village to disappear.
• 😀 Coastal erosion has caused the loss of roads, hotels, a cafe, and caravans, forcing people to move.
• 😀 If erosion continues at the current rate of 2-4 meters per year, certain houses may need to be taken down in the next 10-15 years.
• 😀 Coastal erosion has been happening since the end of the last Ice Age, over 10,000 years ago.
• 😀 The type of soft rock and soil in the cliffs contributes to rapid erosion, especially in low-lying areas where the sea is more aggressive.
• 😀 Sea defenses, such as barriers made from rocks, are designed to break up wave energy and protect cliffs from erosion.
• 😀 Unfortunately, sea defenses can unintentionally increase erosion in other areas, as they focus wave energy on specific points.
• 😀 Climate change is exacerbating coastal erosion by affecting sea behavior and increasing rainfall, which accelerates cliff collapse.
• 😀 Areas with high population density can justify the expense of coastal defenses, but less populated areas may not have this option.
• 😀 The erosion and materials from the cliffs are helping to nourish other areas like Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Germany, and Denmark, benefiting wildlife and providing natural defenses.
• 😀 In some cases, it is important to allow certain areas to erode in order to help protect more populated or ecologically vital areas.

Q & A

What is the main issue facing the village of Adleburgh?

The main issue facing the village of Adleburgh is coastal erosion, which is causing parts of the village to disappear over time.

How has coastal erosion affected the local community in Adleburgh?

Coastal erosion has led to the loss of hotels, a café, and caravans in the area. People have had to move their homes and businesses further inland to avoid the advancing cliffs.

How fast is coastal erosion progressing in Adleburgh?

The coastal erosion is progressing at a rate of around two to four meters per year. If it continues at this rate, some houses may be lost in the next ten to fifteen years.

How has the local environment changed over the last 10-15 years due to coastal erosion?

Over the past 10-15 years, coastal erosion has caused significant loss of infrastructure, including two hotels and many caravans. The remaining caravan park has also lost a lot of its caravans as a result of the advancing cliffs.

Why is the coastline in Adleburgh particularly vulnerable to erosion?

The coastline is vulnerable due to the soft rocks and soil in the cliffs, combined with the low-lying nature of the area, which allows the sea to cut into the cliffs more easily.

Is coastal erosion a new problem for the region of Adleburgh?

No, coastal erosion is not a new problem. It has been happening since the end of the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago.

What role do sea defenses play in protecting the cliffs in Adleburgh?

Sea defenses, such as rocks brought in from places like Norway, help to reduce the impact of waves on the cliffs, preventing more rapid erosion. However, these defenses can cause erosion to accelerate in other areas where the sea energy is concentrated.

How does climate change contribute to coastal erosion in Adleburgh?

Climate change affects the sea's behavior and increases rainfall. More water leads to quicker erosion, as the cliffs become more prone to collapse and erosion.

How are decisions made about which areas to protect from coastal erosion?

Areas with large populations and infrastructure, like big towns with many shops and homes, are more likely to receive protection through coastal defenses due to the higher cost of protecting areas with fewer people.

What is the importance of allowing some areas to erode, despite the damage?

Allowing some areas to erode is important for the broader ecosystem. The sand and soil from eroding cliffs travel south, providing vital habitats for animals and protecting other regions, such as Lincolnshire, from further erosion.