Erosion of shingle beaches and structures

There appears to be a general tendency towards erosion of shingle beaches and structures. This is the result of a complex set of interactions which may include both natural factors such as:

• natural depletion of sediment sources;
• changes in shoreline morphology;
• changes in the pattern of waves and storms.

and human actions including:

• excavation of the sand and gravel both offshore and in the nearshore beach environment;
• construction of harbour breakwaters, groynes and other structures;
• protection of eroding cliffs.

Comment: The balance between 'natural' and human influences is being considered in some detail in relation to sediment budgets along the Channel Coast under an EU Interreg II project (BERM).