A sea wall is a hard engineered structure built along the shore primarily to defend the land from erosion and the impact of waves.
Understanding Sea Wall Protection
Sea walls are constructed parallel to the shoreline, acting as a robust barrier between the sea and the land behind it. According to the UNFCCC (1999), seawalls are hard engineered structures with a primary function to prevent further erosion of the shoreline. They achieve this crucial protection through several key mechanisms:
- Preventing Erosion: This is the primary function of a sea wall. By creating a physical barrier, the wall prevents the waves from directly eroding the soil and sediment of the coastline. It stops the land from being washed away by wave action.
- Holding and Preventing Soil Sliding: Built against the land, sea walls aim to hold or prevent sliding of the soil. They physically support the landmass, helping to stabilize the shoreline and prevent slumping or collapse, especially on cliffs or steep banks vulnerable to erosion.
- Protection from Wave Action: The wall directly provides protection from wave action. When waves crash against the sea wall, their energy is absorbed or deflected away from the land. This reduces the erosive power of the waves impacting the coast, thereby safeguarding the shoreline and any structures or ecosystems behind the wall.
In essence, a sea wall acts as a formidable shield that takes the brunt of the ocean's energy, preventing it from reaching and eroding the vulnerable coastline.
Summary of Protective Actions:
- Blocks direct wave impact on the land.
- Stabilizes soil to prevent sliding and collapse.
- Reduces or redirects wave energy.
- Acts as a hard barrier against shoreline retreat.
These functions work together to maintain the position of the coastline, protecting property, infrastructure, and valuable habitats located inland.
