Fig. 1 records a coastal engineer’s inspection of a beach at Gwadar after a cyclone. Waves approach the shore at an angle and have moved sand along the coas...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 records a coastal engineer’s inspection of a beach at Gwadar after a cyclone. Waves approach the shore at an angle and have moved sand along the coast, exposing a road near the harbour. The engineer must identify the process and advise how coastal infrastructure can be protected without damaging fishing activity.
(a) Identify the process represented by the arrows. [1]
(b) Describe how this process moves sediment along the beach. [2]
(c) Explain three reasons why erosion at this site could affect economic development. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Longshore drift [1] (b) Swash carries sand up the beach at an angle [1]; backwash returns sediment downslope, producing net movement along the coast [1]. (c) Any three: erosion can undermine roads serving the port/harbour [1]; damage to buildings raises repair costs [1]; loss of beach affects tourism/recreation income [1]; sediment movement can affect access for fishing boats [1]; costly defences divert funds from other development [1]. [3]
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