Erosion Control: Jetties vs Breakwaters vs Beach Renourishment & Dune Grasses

[AngelShare]

I need to know the pros and cons of:

Jetties
Breakwaters
Beach Renourishment
Planting of dune grasses & plants

I've found the pros and cons of each type of erosion control except for jetties. The links my teacher gave me aren't that great, as usual, so if anyone can provide me with a link or links I'd appreciate it because I need to choose which method is best afterwards and the given link isn't doing that great of a job of explaining them in the first place.

 

[Bystander]

Check Waves and Beaches, Willard Bascom. It'll be in the library, or available on interlibrary loan.

 

[Blueshift5]

I am happy to provide you with information on the pros and cons of jetties, breakwaters, beach renourishment, and planting of dune grasses and plants for erosion control.

Jetties are man-made structures that are constructed perpendicular to the coastline, often using large rocks or concrete blocks. They are designed to trap sediment and prevent it from being carried away by currents and waves. Here are some pros and cons of jetties:

Pros:
1. Effective at trapping sediment and preventing shoreline erosion.
2. Can create sheltered areas for recreational activities such as swimming and boating.
3. Can provide a stable foundation for structures such as piers and docks.

Cons:
1. Alteration of natural sediment transport can lead to erosion in other areas.
2. Can disrupt natural currents and wave patterns, affecting marine ecosystems.
3. Can be expensive to construct and maintain.

For more information on jetties, you can refer to this link: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/jetties.html

Breakwaters are similar to jetties in that they are also man-made structures designed to protect shorelines from erosion. However, breakwaters are typically longer and further offshore, parallel to the coastline. Here are some pros and cons of breakwaters:

Pros:
1. Can reduce wave energy and protect shorelines from erosion.
2. Can create calm water areas for recreational activities.
3. Can be used to create artificial reefs, providing habitats for marine life.

Cons:
1. Can alter natural sediment transport, leading to erosion in other areas.
2. Can be expensive to construct and maintain.
3. Can disrupt natural currents and wave patterns, affecting marine ecosystems.

For more information on breakwaters, you can refer to this link: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/breakwaters.html

Beach renourishment involves adding sand to eroded beaches in order to widen and protect them. Here are some pros and cons of beach renourishment:

Pros:
1. Can restore beaches and protect them from erosion.
2. Can provide recreational benefits and attract tourists.
3. Can improve storm protection for coastal communities.

Cons:
1. Can be expensive and require ongoing maintenance.
2. Can disrupt marine habitats and ecosystems.
3. May not be a long-term solution to erosion.

For more information on beach renourishment, you can refer to this link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science