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17 October 2014
Coastlines of the North East

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Human Impact
»Restrictions


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Restrictions

The physical landscape of the North East coast is always changing – sometimes this can restrict what people do.

The loss of land into the sea can cause problems. As cliffs suffer from erosion, they can be dangerous for both walkers and the buildings they support. The natural line of the cliffs along the coast has in the past interfered with the railway line. This has meant a need to cut through the rock to allow transport.

Depositional features also change - the mouth of the River Don must be dredged to avoid flooding.

The coastal weather can also limit people’s activities. Cold onshore winds and rain can be bad for tourism. The haar from the sea can also cause problems, particularly for transport (disrupting both traffic on coastal roads like the A90 and A92 and the movement of aeroplanes and helicopters).

The types of soil in the area can restrict agriculture. Dry, sandy soil doesn’t retain moisture, while waterlogged areas like salt marshes are also difficult to farm. The area’s land is also vulnerable to wind erosion.

These are just some examples of the restrictions imposed by the features and climate of the North East coastline.



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