The beach is one of the most desirable places to live. After all, you are right by the sea and can take a dip whenever you want. You’ll also find it is the perfect way to enjoy watersports whenever you want. Of course, if you prefer, you can simply sit on your balcony and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore!
The draw of the beach is why so many organizations give away beach vacations and even homes, such as this stunning example in the prize home lottery.
However, it is also important to recognize that Australian beaches and coastlines are facing a foundation problem.
The Issue
Waves crash against the shore all the time, although the stronger waves happen as the tide comes in, roughly twice every 24 hours. The waves bring a variety of debris onto the shore with them. The types of debris can be varied. It may be rubbish that has been discarded at sea, pieces of driftwood that have floated with the tide for years, or even bits left from a shipwreck.
The water also carries sand which doesn’t seem surprising as it is crashing onto the beach. However, the sand is often taken from cliffs and other parts of the shoreline, the sea is powerful enough to move it around. Over time this changes the layout of the coastline and even the power of the waves.
But, the most concerning part is the power of the waves crashing against cliffs and another coastal land. Over time, the power of the waves will erode the shoreline. In effect, the sea is gradually taking over the land.
In most cases, this is not considered a major issue. However, the erosion can undermine the foundations of any property built close to the shore. Ultimately, enough erosion will cause the collapse of seafront houses. As the houses collapse the next houses will be in line for erosion damage. In short, the problem is increasing in severity.
Additional Factors
In theory, sediment from rivers should be carried into the ocean and then deposited onto the coastline, effectively replacing the eroded material. However, in many cases, the sediment is being trapped offshore and fails to reach the coastline.
These factors seem to be compounded by environmental changes that are causing the sea levels to rise and increasing the damage to foundations that can be caused.
Dealing With The issue
Shoring up the shoreline and adding coastal defence schemes is instrumental to the survival of the coastline and the protection of existing foundations. Of course, this is expensive which is why many newer homes are built on stilts to help protect against the issue.
In addition, environmental changes, specifically those designed to reduce or eliminate the damage humans are doing to the planet, will help to reduce the rising sea level and the potential for undermining foundations.
It’s a good illustration of why everyone should be doing their part to help protect the environment and the planet we all share.