Holderness Coast: Location and Characteristics
The Holderness Coast is situated on the East Coast of England, stretching from Flamborough Head to Spurn Point. It is renowned as one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe, with an average erosion rate of 2 meters per year.
Geological Composition
The coast consists of two main rock types:
- Chalk: This resistant rock forms features like Flamborough Head.
- Boulder clay: Found in the southern cliffs, this soft material is highly susceptible to erosion, leading to the formation of Holderness Bay.
Vocabulary: Boulder clay - A type of sediment deposited by glaciers, consisting of a mixture of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders.
Physical Factors Affecting Erosion
Several natural processes contribute to the rapid erosion of the Holderness Coast:
- Weather: Winter storms generate stronger waves and storm surges, while heavy rain intensifies sub-aerial weathering.
- Waves: Destructive waves from the North East, with a large fetch, erode beaches and cliffs.
- Longshore drift: This process carries eroded material southward along the coast.
- Tides and low energy: These factors contribute to the formation of spits, mudflats, and sand dunes, particularly at Spurn Head.
Highlight: The Humber Estuary plays a crucial role in creating low-energy conditions and promoting deposition in certain areas.
Human Factors Affecting Erosion
Human activities also impact the erosion rates along the Holderness Coast:
- Population increase: Growing numbers of residents and tourists put pressure on coastal areas.
- Coastal defenses: Unsuitable strategies, such as groynes at Hornsea and Mappleton, can lead to sediment starvation in other areas.
- Climate change: Rising sea levels and increased storminess exacerbate erosion and flood risks, particularly at Spurn Head.
Example: The installation of groynes at Hornsea and Mappleton has prevented sediment from depositing on beaches further along the coastline, causing rapid erosion at sites like Great Cowden.
