Soft Engineering: Natural Coastal Protection Techniques

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of beach nourishment?

Accepted Answer

Does not directly increase biodiversity

Answer

Enhances recreational opportunities by creating wider beaches

Answer

Reduces erosion rates by replenishing the sand supply

Answer

Can improve water quality by filtering pollutants

Question 2

Which of the following is a disadvantage of beach nourishment?

Accepted Answer

Temporary solution to erosion

Answer

Improved beach aesthetics

Answer

Increased storm protection

Answer

Lower cost than hard engineering methods

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary goal of using soft engineering techniques in coastal protection?

Accepted Answer

To enhance and preserve natural coastal processes and ecosystems

Answer

To relocate coastal communities inland

Answer

To construct permanent barriers against erosion

Question 4

Identify an example of a soft engineering technique:

Accepted Answer

Beach nourishment

Answer

Seawall

Answer

Groin

Answer

Breakwater

Question 5

What is a key advantage of beach nourishment as a soft engineering technique?

Accepted Answer

It restores the natural beach profile by replenishing lost sand

Answer

It requires minimal maintenance

Answer

It is a permanent solution to coastal erosion

Question 6

Explain how soft engineering techniques can contribute to sustainable coastal management:

Accepted Answer

They prioritize natural ecosystems and long-term coastal resilience

Answer

They are always more cost-effective than hard engineering

Answer

They eliminate the need for hard engineering structures

Question 7

When selecting a soft engineering technique for a specific coastal area, which factors should be considered?

Accepted Answer

Sediment availability, wave climate, and ecosystem sensitivity

Answer

Cost of implementation only

Answer

Public opinion only

Question 8

Describe how beach nourishment mitigates the impacts of coastal erosion:

Accepted Answer

It supplies sediment to reduce beach erosion and restore natural profiles

Answer

It physically blocks incoming waves

Answer

It elevates the beach to reduce flooding

Question 9

Explain the role of dune restoration in soft engineering coastal protection:

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes dunes to reduce wind erosion and storm damage

Answer

It increases the height of coastal cliffs

Answer

It prevents the formation of sandbars

Question 10

Identify a potential environmental benefit of using soft engineering techniques:

Accepted Answer

Habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement

Answer

Reduced carbon emissions

Answer

Prevention of sea level rise

Answer

Elimination of coastal flooding

Question 11

Which of the following is a primary advantage of soft engineering techniques in coastal protection?

Accepted Answer

They minimize environmental disruption compared to hard engineering methods.

Answer

They offer a consistently higher level of protection against coastal erosion.

Answer

They are generally less expensive to implement than hard engineering methods.

Question 12

Which of the following is a common type of soft engineering technique?

Accepted Answer

Beach nourishment

Answer

Seawall installation

Answer

Groin construction

Answer

Dredging

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential limitation of soft engineering techniques?

Accepted Answer

They may not provide adequate protection during extreme weather events.

Answer

They are typically more expensive than hard engineering methods.

Answer

They are difficult to maintain.

Question 14

In what way do soft engineering techniques contribute to sustainable coastal management?

Accepted Answer

By prioritizing natural solutions and reducing the reliance on hard engineering interventions.

Answer

By enhancing the recreational value of coastal areas.

Answer

By offering a more cost-effective solution to coastal erosion.

Question 15

Which of the following is a primary advantage of dune restoration as a soft engineering technique?

Accepted Answer

It provides a natural buffer against coastal erosion.

Answer

It enhances the aesthetic appeal of coastal areas.

Answer

It is relatively inexpensive to implement.

Question 16

When evaluating the effectiveness of soft engineering techniques, a key consideration is:

Accepted Answer

Regular monitoring and adaptive management.

Answer

Political support for the project.

Answer

Public perception of the intervention.

Answer

A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of beach nourishment?

Accepted Answer

It increases the risk of erosion.

Answer

It improves water quality.

Answer

It provides a wider and safer beach area.

Answer

It enhances the nesting habitat for birds.

Question 18

Dune restoration involves the re-establishment of:

Accepted Answer

Natural dune vegetation.

Answer

Artificial seawalls.

Answer

Groynes.

Answer

Riprap.

Question 19

Managed retreat is a soft engineering strategy that involves:

Accepted Answer

Relocating infrastructure and buildings away from eroding coastlines.

Answer

Constructing seawalls to protect coastal communities.

Answer

Nourishing beaches with sand to widen them.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of sustainable coastal management?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing hard engineering solutions.

Answer

Considering long-term impacts.

Answer

Involving local communities in decision-making.

Answer

Balancing ecological and economic needs.

Question 21

The role of soft engineering in coastal protection is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions.

Answer

Guarantee complete protection against coastal erosion.

Answer

Eliminate the need for hard engineering structures.