North Norfolk Coastal Landscape
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What is the landscape like? Geomorphic processes on the landscape Underlying chalk with some flint deposits known Blakeney and Wells-next-to-Sea were flooded in January 2013 by a coastal storm surge. The low lying as drift from the Ice Age land makes them vulnerable. Glacial deposits of weak boulder clay is easily Sea level rises are leading to Stiffkey salt marsh to build making a natural sea defence eroded Coastal flooding from storm surges or high tides can cause sand dunes areas to disappear over night, Low lying coastline, the boundary between land such as at Wells-next-to-Sea in January 2013 and sea is not clear, with spits and salt marshes formed North Norfolk Wide, sandy beach backed by sand dunes at Holkham- shallow seabed so the tide goes out a Coastal long way allowing sand to dry out and be blown onshore Landscape Low cliffs at Hunstanton, Sheringham and Cromer- Why protect the coastline? harder chalk outcrops protrude from the land Spit at Blakeney point- area of deposition Entire village including Shipden and Keswick have been completely lost to the sea in the last century Salt marsh at Stiffkey- permanent feature Happisburgh is currently disappearing due to cliff retreat. People have lost their homes and are still Human Sea Defences battling to receive compensation for their losses. Sea Palling has been protected by a sea wall which has reduced transportation and created a wide Rip-rap barriers at Sheringham- large rocks placed in beach which provides a natural sea defence front of cliffs to dissipate wave energy from the cliff Sea wall at Cromer- concrete walls to reflect and Human Uses absorb wave energy in front of settlements Gabions at Hunstanton- wire cages filled with stones Flints from the area are used for building houses to absorb wave energy and trap sand and sediement Cromer is a base for commercial fishing and harbours to protect and add to sand dunes Near Holkham, marshes were drained for farmland reducing natural sea defences Groynes at Wells-next-to-Sea- wooden barriers Beach huts built along Wells-next-to-Sea placed perpendicular to the coastline along beaches Coastal road is behind the marshes, using the natural sea defences to trap sediment and prevent longshore drift. This Tourism is popular due to the large beaches and lack of light pollution, a designated Area of keeps a large, sandy beach for tourists. Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Tourists boats visit Blakeney spit as it is home to seals. Boardwalks built on Holkam- sand dunes to prevent Many villages and towns along the coastline humans disturbing the marram grass and eroding the Solar panels at Holkham- large, flat expanse is efficient for solar power production. As the area is at developing sand dunes risk form climate change causing sea level rises it is a proactive response. .