Coastal Hazards and their Management

Coastal hazards are natural processes that pose risks to human life, property, and the environment along coastlines. In the WJEC GCSE Geography course, you will study how waves, tides, and storms shape the coast and create hazards such as erosion, flooding, and mass movement. Understanding these hazards is crucial because many people live near the coast, and climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of coastal storms and sea-level rise. This topic also explores how we manage these risks through hard engineering (e.g., sea walls, groynes) and soft engineering (e.g., beach nourishment, managed retreat), weighing the costs and benefits of each approach.

Coastal hazards are a key part of the 'Hazardous Earth' and 'Distinctive Landscapes' themes in WJEC Geography. You will learn about the physical processes that create hazards, such as hydraulic action, abrasion, and corrosion, and how they lead to features like cliffs, caves, and wave-cut platforms. The topic also examines the human dimension: why people choose to live in hazardous coastal areas and how conflicts arise between development, conservation, and risk management. By the end, you should be able to evaluate different management strategies and suggest sustainable solutions for specific coastal locations.

This topic is not just about memorising facts; it requires you to apply your knowledge to real-world case studies, such as the Holderness Coast in Yorkshire or the Maldives. You will need to analyse the causes of coastal hazards, their impacts on people and the environment, and the effectiveness of management schemes. Mastering this topic will help you think critically about how humans interact with physical landscapes and prepare you for exam questions that ask you to 'assess', 'evaluate', or 'justify' management decisions.