Methodology
Secondary data collection
The factors influencing coasts
Analysis and Explanation
After researching and collecting my primary data, portraying what defences are observed within Brancaster, I will now go on and analyse the processes and reasons behind the requirement of these management schemes, using the information within my secondary data. I will attempt to understand in as much detail as possible, how these strategies were initially introduced and what developments are needed in the future. Firstly, I will look at the different issues facing the coastline, all the issues that in order to establish equilibrium along Brancaster’s beach must be identified and understood initially, before disturbing various processes forever being carried out by the sea. By doing this I will be able to answer my first line of enquiry looking into ‘Why Brancaster needs managing?’ I will then go on to identify ‘What has been terms in management so far?’ In order to do this I will analyse and annotate photographs, field sketches and also maps. By understanding the process and the role they play, I will be able to estimate ‘How effective have these strategies been?’ Finally I will identify measures required for the future.
Below are annotated diagrams showing wave action, one of the factors that is constantly a threat to Brancaster…
When trying to control any natural environment, processes which, are linked in with that environment must be clearly understood in order to produce an accurate solution and avoid having disastrous effects. Over the next pages I will look into the processes within Brancaster and analyse what solutions, or measures have been introduced in order to protect this area of vulnerable coastline…
• Brancaster is a ‘coastal zone’, meaning the interface between the sea and the land.
• The coastal system is an open system, where the inputs are in the form of waves and tides.
• Transfers are those processes such as longshore drift (see figure below), which move sea water and material through and out of the coastal system, the stores within the coastal system are
mainly beaches (etc).
• Where there is a balance between these inputs and outputs the system is said to be in equilibrium.
• From all the factors above I think it is reasonable, to conclude at this time, that the coastal zone of Brancaster is not in equilibrium and because of the nature of the coastal area management
is therefore essential.
Excellent beach development occurs on a lowland coast (by constructive waves), with a sheltered aspect or trend, composed of ‘soft’ rocks, which provides a good supply of material or where Longshore drift supplied abundant material. A ‘beach’ refers to the accumulation of material occupying the littoral zone, the area between the highest point reached by storm waves at high spring tide and also the area breached during the lowest spring tides. A typical beach will have three main zones: backshore, foreshore and offshore. A line of dunes or cliffs marks the backshore.
The diagram below shows how beaches form…
In order for beaches to develop one of the processes
needed is Longshore Drift, the diagram below illustrates
how this transfer takes place within the coastal system…
Within Brancaster, there are extensive sandy beaches stretching for many metres out to sea and these types of landforms are almost always backed by sand dunes because strong onshore winds can easily transport the sand which is exposed at low water. The sand grains are deposited against any obstacle on land to form dunes…
Dunes can be blown inland and therefore threaten coastal farmland and even villages. In the case of Brancaster the threat of fresh water marshes and even the salt water marshes becoming inundated and flooded by the power of the North Sea, is tan environmental issue that is of greatest threat. There are several methods to slow down the migration of the dunes and by analysing the primary data I collected I am able to identify the measures used and for what purpose…
Defences within Brancaster
In order to collect data illustrating which defences are present within Brancaster I took photographs and field sketches and from these and measurements made in a sampling manner which, was systematic, have now produce a map of the area of coastline. (see following insert)
Over the next pages I will annotate and look at the photographs I took, understanding how the defences work and why they are in desired locations along the coastal zone.
Defence……………………………..
Location…………………………….
Defence……………………………..
Location…………………………….
Defence……………………………..
Location…………………………….
Defence……………………………..
Location…………………………….
Defence……………………………..
Location…………………………….
Clearly, inputs into the coastal system are being used as processes, in the form of transportation (etc) continue to shape the coastline and therefore outputs are seen within the system. Understanding these processes involved is essential and from here I am able to know exactly why defences are apparent after answering my two initial lines of enquiry. So what about the third? How effective are these defences? Over the next pages I will attempt to answer this question…
Effectiveness Table of the defences within Brancaster…
Impact Matrix for Brancaster
Through looking at this table I think for the present time, the defences in place at the moment and strategies being introduced, are the correct and most effective ways of controlling the coastline and reducing the recession of the dunes. By holding the existing line, and introducing the embankment allowing more defence to the land against the sea, the results will be in the interests of all the parties involved. So overall the defences are extremely effective and live up to the jobs they must do.
In order to evaluate and conclude upon my findings I will take each question that I investigated and look at how well I researched and collected data, also concluding on the results which were obtained…
Why does Brancaster need managing?
After collecting data, in an organised manner and presenting it in the appropriate way I have found out and now have evidence to explain the processes taking place along this stretch of coastline. Erosive powers of the sea, due to the enormous amounts of energy picked up along the distance of the North Sea fetch, and Longshore drift processes, have resulted in the output of a wide-flat-open beach which, is backed by sand dunes which have been deposited. The sand dunes are major landforms in the area and they are the reason why management of the coast is vital otherwise erosion and retreat of the dunes will create a high threat of coastal flooding and erosion, as the natural barriers would be destroyed. Behind the dunes are vast areas of marshland, which is the habitat of many rare species both plants and animals, the existence of these is extremely important. Also interests of the Golf Club’s courses from their point of view is a major reason why management must be included as part of Brancaster’s coastline.
What has been done in terms of management so far?
By mapping out the area of Brancaster beach in the best way available, I have recorded some excellent data which clearly shows how defences have been introduced within the area. Hard engineering defences along with few natural defences, including things such as brushwood and marram grass, are the main management schemes introduced within the area. Management has been undertaken holistically as planning has been involved with SMP’s and also ICZM (integrated coastal management). By doing this anything undertaken in this certain location along the coastline, will be compared and looked at together with other places to make sure that processes, littoral cells in particular are not disturbed. This is extremely important as if this was not understood many problems would arise when certain defences were introduced in one place and as a result further down erosion may increase (etc) due to depletion of sediment materials. In conclusion so far the coastline in Brancaster has been appropriately managed, once retreating 10m a year about 10 years ago, the dunes are fairly mobile presently, this is all the evidence we need.
How effective have these strategies been?
After completing an effectiveness table and an impact matrix on the area I can confidently comment that so far the defence schemes introduced are effective, although there are drawbacks to each one. The reason for the location for each of them is fulfilled by the job, which each defence does. For example the rock armour situated specifically in front of the clubhouse dissipates wave energy in order to reduce the impact of the sea upon the land the club is situated on. The drawbacks to each one is the opinions mainly, that human interaction with coasts has led to, expectations that beaches are meant to be luxurious locations with delightful landscapes surrounding them! There are major issues although; resulting from major conservationist groups and other agencies involved with both people’s views, but also the interests of wildlife in the area. All these things must be, and I’m glad to announce, are being taken into account to make the most effective use of defences.
What solutions or strategies might be seen within the future?
The embankment managed retreat programme, which is presently being undertaken is one strategy that has been decided upon in order to protect the coastline further. Presently with all the defences in order, I think that the correct balance has been found, but with sea level changes and global warming playing important parts, possibly another way of looking at Brancaster may be needed. When human interaction plays a part within nature, problems arise and almost always nature wins. Although we can carry on attempting to repair and refurbish our coastlines, is this really the appropriate manner in which to follow for long-term problems to come? I think that although in many ways we do need to fight the fight, encouragement into more research, finding out how sea levels rises will impact upon coasts is needed. From here we can begin to plan for the future of our coastlines. Although, can we ever be certain about something so vulnerable and dynamic?
So after researching into many different aspects seen within Brancaster I have put together an investigation which I think portrays effectively what is happening and what could happen. To end my investigation I will look at what I have done and investigate what were my strengths, what were my weaknesses and what opportunities I have gained from my study?