Sea walls provide the highest level of short-term protection against coastal erosion but are very expensive to build and maintain, with erosion issues resurfacing once the wall ends. Groynes are structures built perpendicular to the shore to slow longshore drift and build beaches, but only provide protection for 15-20 years. Piecemeal coastal protection schemes can exacerbate erosion issues down drift as sediment builds up in protected areas, leaving undefended shorelines more vulnerable. Beach nourishment involves adding new sand to eroding beaches and is one of the few options that both protects land and preserves beach resources long term.

1. Coastal Management AS Geography

2. Have you seen any of these?

7. The unprotected down-drift shoreline is set-back landward compared to the protected up-drift shoreline .

8. Terminal Groyne Effect In Action

14. Rising Sea Levels in Venice Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to Venice's fine buildings and unique network of canals. Once-minor floods - known in Venice as "acqua alta" (high water) - have become increasingly common, and more damaging. Now, work is due to begin on a multi-billion dollar scheme to protect the historic city with giant floodgates.