Hard Engineering: Protecting Coastlines with Structures

Question 1

What is the primary environmental concern associated with hard engineering structures?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss

Answer

Increased erosion

Answer

Water pollution

Answer

Visual impact

Question 2

What is the gradual wearing down of a coastline by the force of waves and currents known as?

Accepted Answer

Erosion

Answer

Deposition

Answer

Accretion

Answer

Longshore drift

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a type of hard engineering structure?

Accepted Answer

Dune restoration

Answer

Sea wall

Answer

Breakwater

Answer

Gabion

Question 4

In the context of managing coastal areas, what term describes the movement of sediment along the coast by waves and currents?

Accepted Answer

Longshore drift

Answer

Cross-shore transport

Answer

Beach nourishment

Answer

Sedimentation

Question 5

Evaluate the effectiveness of sea walls and groynes in protecting coastlines from erosion. Explain how their suitability varies depending on the characteristics of the coastline.

Accepted Answer

Sea walls are more effective in rocky areas, while groynes are more effective in sandy areas.

Answer

Sea walls are always more effective than groynes in preventing erosion.

Answer

Groynes are more effective in protecting coastal communities from flooding.

Answer

Sea walls and groynes are equally effective in all coastal environments.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a type of hard engineering coastal protection structure?

Accepted Answer

Dune restoration

Answer

Sea wall

Answer

Groyne

Answer

Riprap

Question 7

What is the primary function of a sea wall?

Accepted Answer

To prevent flooding

Answer

To absorb wave energy

Answer

To trap sediment

Answer

To create a new habitat

Question 8

Which type of hard engineering structure is specifically designed to protect a limited section of coastline from erosion?

Accepted Answer

Groynes

Answer

Revetments

Answer

Sea walls

Answer

Breakwaters

Question 9

What is the primary function of a sea wall?

Accepted Answer

To prevent erosion by reflecting wave energy.

Answer

To trap sediment and create new land.

Answer

To absorb wave energy and dissipate its force.

Question 10

Which material is most commonly used in the construction of groynes?

Accepted Answer

Timber or concrete

Answer

Sand or gravel

Answer

Metal or plastic

Answer

Brick or stone

Question 11

Which of the following is a potential environmental impact of hard engineering structures on the coastal ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of sediment transport patterns

Answer

Increased tourism

Answer

Improved water quality

Answer

Creation of new habitats

Question 12

What is the main purpose of beach nourishment?

Accepted Answer

To replenish eroded beaches and restore their natural profile.

Answer

To protect against flooding.

Answer

To improve water quality.

Answer

To create new land for development.

Question 13

Which type of hard engineering structure is constructed to create a new area of land from the sea?

Accepted Answer

Reclamation

Answer

Sea walls

Answer

Groynes

Answer

Breakwaters

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using hard engineering structures for coastal protection?

Accepted Answer

Low maintenance costs

Answer

Can be designed to suit specific needs

Answer

Provides immediate protection

Answer

Long-lasting

Question 15

Which of the following is a sustainable alternative to hard engineering for coastal protection?

Accepted Answer

Managed retreat

Answer

Groynes

Answer

Sea walls

Answer

Reclamation

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of using gabions in coastal engineering?

Accepted Answer

To protect against erosion and scour by dissipating wave energy.

Answer

To trap sediment and create new land

Answer

To create artificial reefs

Answer

To improve water quality

Question 17

Classify the following as a hard engineering structure: sea wall, dune, salt marsh, geotextile?

Accepted Answer

Sea wall

Answer

Geotextile

Answer

Salt marsh

Answer

Dune

Question 18

Identify the core function of a groyne in coastal protection:

Accepted Answer

Traps sediment and assists in beach formation.

Answer

Prevents flooding by obstructing water flow.

Answer

Absorbs wave energy and lessens its impact.

Answer

Creates a sheltered environment for marine life.

Question 19

Which material is predominantly used in the construction of sea walls?

Accepted Answer

Concrete

Answer

Geotextile

Answer

Timber

Answer

Sandbags

Question 20

Pinpoint the main advantage of employing hard engineering techniques for coastal protection:

Accepted Answer

Provides immediate defense against erosion.

Answer

Environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly.

Answer

Aesthetically pleasing and enhances the landscape.

Answer

Cost-effective and economical.

Question 21

Identify a potential drawback associated with the use of hard engineering in coastal protection:

Accepted Answer

Can disrupt natural coastal processes and ecosystems.

Answer

Requires constant maintenance and repairs.

Answer

Prohibitively expensive to construct and implement.

Answer

Detrimental to property values and tourism.

Question 22

Describe the role of a sacrificial beach in a hard engineering protection system:

Accepted Answer

Acts as a buffer zone, absorbing wave energy to safeguard the primary structure.

Answer

Provides a nesting habitat for endangered bird species.

Answer

Serves as a recreational area for tourists and beachgoers.

Question 23

Suggest a sustainable alternative to hard engineering for coastal protection:

Accepted Answer

Managed retreat

Answer

Sea walls

Answer

Groynes

Answer

Gabions

Question 24

Differentiate between a sea wall and a breakwater based on their primary purposes:

Accepted Answer

A sea wall protects the land from direct wave action, while a breakwater safeguards harbors and anchorages.

Answer

A sea wall is constructed parallel to the shoreline, while a breakwater is erected perpendicular to it.

Answer

A sea wall is typically made of concrete, whereas a breakwater is constructed using wood.