Why is swanage bay vulnerable to erosion

Coastlines where the geology alternates between bands of hard and soft rock which are perpendicular to the shore are called discordant coastlines. A concordant coastline has the same type of rock along its length. The alternating bands of hard and soft rock run parallel to the coast. Lulworth Cove is situated on the south coast of England, on a concordant coastline. The entrance to the cove is narrow where the waves have cut through weaknesses in the resistant limestone.

Then the cove widens where the softer clays have been more easily eroded. At the back of the cove is a band of more resistant chalk, so erosion is slower here. The headland is made out of chalk, a hard rock. The headland is made out of chalk, a hard rock. The headland juts out into the sea, so it is more vulnerable to high-energy waves. This caused the formation of Old Harry, a stack. Over time Old Harry will collapse to form a stump. Chesil Beach is an example of a bar. The landscape along this length of coastline is of high intrinsic quality.

It is also of national and international ecological and geological importance and highly designated:. The high cliffs of Durlston Head provide an ideal habitat for many birds and animals, and a great vantage point for spotting dolphins, but they also act as a barrier, preventing the transport of beach building material toward Swanage Bay to the north. Coastal management issues here include:. Ensuring the protection of life and property for example, Durlston Cliff Flats which are vulnerable to cliff erosion while leaving the cliff face exposed in order to retain its geological interest.

The potential impact of any coastal defence works on inshore fisheries, offshore wrecks and the aesthetic and landscape quality of the coastline. Process Unit Management.