General Discussion
Why are there so many different sea defeces at Dawlish warren
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Now lizzen very carefully az I vill zay zis only wunz.
The large boulders and rocks act as wave breakers.(ie unchecked waves cause greater destruction) Beach Groynes are older and have a similar effect but to a lesser degree.The sloping concrete is really there to protect the walkway and pedestrian area behind.On the Warren itself,marram grass is essential as it helps to stabilize the sand dunes which would otherwise get washed away in a storm.
In Dawlish, adjacent to Marine Parade,the railway track used to be single line and follow the tide line.There was also more sand cover to the beach.The waves were not a problem then. When the track was doubled, the curvature of the line was eased and with the walkway and wall built, everything moved further out to sea.The sand cover was also removed resulting in the problems that now occur every time there is a storm.
Often,the best sea defences are natural,take them away and eventually they will have to be replaced.
We all know what happened to poor old Hallsands when all the shingle and sand was removed to make concrete to create Devonport docks.
OK children,here endeth today's lesson.
Class Diiiis - missed.
