Coastal landforms are shaped and reshaped by winds, waves and currents, which in turn vary through time.In the context of the pressures faced in the coastal zone, it sets out proposed approaches to scoping environmental investigations, and coastal ecology and geomorphological surveys and studies.It considers typical impacts that arise in the coastal zone, their sources and nature, and methods of impact prediction, as well as options for impact mitigation and the purpose of and approaches to monitoring.
Courtesy of Lucy Wright, BTO and Tidal Lagoon Power 4 Causes and types of impact in the coastal zone (modified from Thompson and Lee 2001) Figures - uploaded by David Brew Author content All figure content in this area was uploaded by David Brew Content may be subject to copyright. Geomorphology A Canadian Perspective 5Th Edition Free Public FullGeomorphology A Canadian Perspective 5Th Edition For Free Public FullDiscover the worlds research 17 million members 135 million publications 700k research projects Join for free Public Full-text 1 Content uploaded by David Brew Author content All content in this area was uploaded by David Brew on Jan 11, 2018 Content may be subject to copyright. Brew and Richard Cottle 1 7.1 Introduction The variety of processes, landforms, geology and substrates that characterise the coastal zones around the world, along with the influence of humans, has given rise to a wide range of complex ecosystems that provide highly valued environments. ![]() Consequently its management is often complex due to the need to balance potentially conflicting requirements, such as meeting the demands of recreation and economic development, protecting vulnerable assets from flooding and erosion, and protecting important scenic, geomorpho- logical and ecological systems. These pressures are well illustrated in Europe. For example, in 2000 the proportion of land area covered by artificial surfaces was 25 per cent higher at the coast than inland, and the annual rate of urban sprawl at the coast (0.66 per cent) was higher than the European average overall (0.52 per cent) (EEA 2006). Geomorphology A Canadian Perspective 5Th Edition Trial Sites AndThe more recent drivers for urban development are commercialindustrial sites and sports and leisure (EEA 2013). In several coastal regions of Italy, France and Spain the coverage of built-up areas in the first kilometre of the coastal strip exceeds 45 per cent. Population densities in Europe are also higher on the coast by an average of 10 per cent compared to inland (EEA 2006). One of the conse- quences of this coastal development and population pressure is the loss of semi-natural and natural habitats, with an estimated loss of between 1 and 4 per cent of the area of wetlands, grasslands, pasture and mixed farmland having occurred in the EU between 1990 and 2000 (EEA 2006) and continued losses of wetland habitats since, resulting largely from afforestation, infrastructure development and agricultural conversion (EEA 2013). ![]() An additional and pressing issue facing coastal areas is the predicted sea- level rise associated with climate change. This is particularly so in countries such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands, where wide areas are situated just above sea level. Over the period 1901 to 2010, global mean sea level rose by 234 JOHN, BREW AND COTTLE 6426 TF Methods of Environmental and Social Impact Assessement.qxpRoyal 30062017 10:45 Page 234. In England, the Environment Agency (2013) has produced sea-level rise contingencies for up to 2115 for use in flood risk planning. Similarly, the US Ocean Protection Council (2013) have provided guidance for incorporating sea-level rise projections into project planning and decision- making in California up to 2100, which range from 0.1 to 1.67 m. In addition to risks to human life, settlements and agricultural land, rising sea levels threaten the integrity of significant areas of coastal habitat. For instance, Jones et al. UK will decline in area by approximately 8 per cent by 2060, due to coastal erosion, sea-level rise and reduced sediment supply. Moreover, salt marshes that are trapped between rising sea levels and fixed sea defences are being lost to coastal squeeze. Loss of salt marsh also threatens the integrity of seawalls (defending low-lying areas) that rely on their wave absorbing power (Mller et al. This chapter provides a description of key coastal landforms, processes and habitats, and summarises relevant legislation and policy. Definitions and concepts 7.2.1 The coastal zone Coasts are among the most dynamic parts of the earths surface. The shoreline migrates daily with the tide, changes seasonally, and varies over longer timescales as the coast erodes or accretes, or as sea level changes.
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