GEOGRAPHY SCHOOL BASE ASSIGNMENT

Coastal Features and Processes

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF COASTAL EROSION AND

CANDIDATE NAME:

CANDIDATE NUMBER:

CENTER NUMBER:

SCHOOL:

YEAR:
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction

Aim of Study

Site Map/ Map of Study Area

Methodology

Presentation and Interpretation of Data

Conclusion

References
 INTRODUCTION

Coastal habitats are dynamic systems that are impacted by both human activity and natural

factors including tides, waves, and currents. The coastal processes that take place along Bull Bay

and Hellshire Beach in Jamaica are the main subject of this study. Because of erosion and

deposition, these regions have seen substantial changes that have shaped the terrain and had an

impact on habitations. The study looks at the factors that have caused and affected these changes,

such as how human development, climate change, and natural wave action have changed the

coastal environment.
 AIM OF STUDY

To investigate the effects of coastal deposition and erosion along Bull Bay and Hellshire Beach,

highlighting the salient characteristics created by these processes and their management

implications. In addition, this project intends to investigate how human activity interacts with

natural coastal processes and evaluate possible ways to lessen the negative consequences of

coastal erosion.
SITE MAP/MAP OF STUDY AREA
 METHODOLOGY

Where: The fieldwork was carried out in Jamaica's Bull Bay and Hellshire Beach coastlines.

How: Coastal features were recorded using a mix of measurements, photos, and field

observations. Beach profiles were measured with a measuring tape and ranging poles, and the

wave energy was evaluated by timing waves over a predetermined distance. In order to collect

qualitative information regarding long-term coastal changes, interviews were done with local

fishermen, residents, and environmental officials. Shoreline changes throughout time were

monitored through the analysis of satellite and aerial data. Additional information about coastal

geomorphology and human effect was obtained from secondary sources such academic papers,

maps, and textbooks.

The study classified the different coastal erosional and depositional features into the following

categories:

SITE FEATURE PROCESS

Hellshire Beach Sand Dunes Depositional

Hellshire Beach Wave-Cut Platform Erosional

Hellshire Beach Beach Nourishment Human Impact

Bull Bay Sea Cliffs Erosional

Bull Bay Spit Formation Depositional

Bull Bay Mangrove Growth Depositional

SAND DUNES

Sand dunes are depositional structures created when sand is carried by the wind and builds up

behind obstructions or plants. Sand dunes were seen at Hellshire Beach, where they were

stabilized by native flora. These dunes act as organic defences against erosion along the coast.

However, parts of the dunes have been eroded by human activities like sand mining and off-road

vehicle use, which has decreased their ability to protect the coastline.

WAVE-CUT PLATFORM

When waves erode a cliff's base, it retreats and leaves behind a flat, stony surface, creating wave-

cut platforms. A clear wave-cut platform was found at Hellshire Beach, where there was proof of
rock layers that had been exposed by constant wave action. Significant fissures in the platform

suggest continuous erosion, endangering structures in the vicinity.

BEACH NOURISHMENT

A human intervention known as "beach nourishment" involves replenishing a beach with sand in

order to prevent erosion. Evidence of artificial sand placement was found at Hellshire Beach in

an effort to counteract the loss of natural beach sediment brought on by high-energy waves.

However, the additional sand could be carried away by powerful waves and currents if it is not

properly maintained.

SEA CLIFFS

Sea cliffs are precipitous features that cut into the shoreline as a result of wave erosion. There

were noticeable indications of undercutting and rock falls as a result of ongoing erosion on the

impressive coastal cliffs at Bull Bay. The cliff face was unstable, as evidenced by cracks and

loose debris, endangering the infrastructure in the area.

MANGROVES

Mangroves are coastal plants that are essential for stabilizing the shoreline and facilitating

sediment deposition. Significant mangrove growth was observed at Bull Bay, suggesting low

wave energy regions where sediment was building up. In addition to offering vital habitat for

marine life, mangroves act as a natural barrier against coastal erosion.

The results show that the terrain at Hellshire Beach and Bull Bay is being actively shaped by

coastal erosion and deposition. The main causes of these changes are human activity, longshore

drift, and wave energy. The erosion of wave-cut platforms and sea cliffs indicates that the

shoreline is constantly changing due to high-energy waves. Sand dunes, spits, and mangroves are

examples of depositional landforms that emphasize the significance of vegetation and sediment

transport in maintaining the stability of the shoreline. Although beach nourishment and other

human interventions have been used to combat erosion, it is still unclear how beneficial they will

be in the long run.

The study emphasizes how important coastal deposition and erosion have been in forming the

landscapes of Bull Bay and Hellshire Beach. The creation of sea cliffs and wave-cut platforms

are examples of erosional processes that have been observed to actively reshape the shoreline as

a result of ongoing wave activity. On the other hand, depositional features like as mangroves,

sand dunes, and spits act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and help stabilize the

shoreline. The research regions are impacted by human activities such as beach nourishment,

coastal building, and sand mining in both positive and negative ways. Although beach

nourishment initiatives have attempted to prevent erosion, their effectiveness depends on

ongoing upkeep. The situation is made worse by the destruction of mangroves and other flora,

which lowers the coastline's natural resistance. Important qualitative information was obtained

through interviews with local fishermen and residents, who shared first hand stories of shifting

fish populations, increased coastline retreat, and challenges in sustaining sustainable livelihoods

as a result of the coast's instability. Rising sea levels and stronger storms are two effects of

climate change that have exacerbated erosion and put human settlements and local ecosystems at

risk. The results highlight how urgently sustainable coastal management techniques are needed

to stop erosion and protect Jamaica's coastline. To ensure that the natural coastal environment

continues to be a viable resource for both biological balance and human usage, more research,

regulatory changes, and community-driven conservation initiatives are crucial. If quick action is

not taken, ongoing erosion may result in habitat damage, irreversible land loss, and economic

deterioration in the impacted areas.

• Establish more stringent laws governing the usage of off-road vehicles and sand mining.

• Create initiatives to reforest mangroves.

• Enhance efforts that nourish beaches.

• Monitor coastline changes over an extended period of time.

• Raise awareness of coastal conservation among the general people.

• Bleasdell. S, et al: CSEC New Integrated Geography, Caribbean Educational, Published,

2008

• Guinness. P, et al: Geography for CSEC Nelson Thornes Ltd, 2008.

• Morrissey. M, et al Caribbean School Atlas for Social Studies, Geography and History

Pearson Education Ltd, 2007.

• Wilson, M: The Caribbean Environment for CSEC Geography, published,2012