Coastal Hazard Assessments

Coastal erosion is an ongoing natural process that shapes the world’s coastlines, but its impact is becoming increasingly concerning due to the combined effects of climate change and human activities. In Australia, where a significant portion of the population resides along the coast, coastal erosion poses a substantial threat to property, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Intrax Coastal Hazard Assessments can help plan your next move.

What are the causes of coastal erosion?

Coastal erosion occurs when the forces of waves, currents, tides, and winds wear away the land and transport sediment along the shoreline.

Australia, with its vast coastline stretching over 35,000 kilometres, experiences a wide range of erosion rates depending on local geology, wave energy, and human activities. Coastal erosion has become a pressing issue as sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change.

Soft soil cliffs are found in various regions of Australia, particularly along the eastern and southern coastlines. These cliffs are composed of unconsolidated materials like sand, silt, and clay. These soils are highly susceptible to erosion caused by waves and weathering. Soft soil cliffs are particularly vulnerable due to their inherent instability; they can easily slump, collapse, or erode, especially during heavy rainfall or storms.

Unlike hard rock cliffs that can endure the pounding of waves for longer periods, soft soil cliffs are less resilient and can be rapidly eroded. The lack of solid cohesion between particles means that once erosion begins, it often progresses rapidly, leading to the loss of valuable land and infrastructure.

What are the consequences of coastal erosion?

The consequences of coastal erosion are manifold and impact both natural ecosystems and human communities:

Loss of Land – The most apparent consequence is the gradual or rapid loss of valuable land along coastlines. This can lead to property damage, displacement of communities, and loss of habitats for various species.
Economic Impacts – Coastal erosion affects economies by damaging infrastructure, reducing property values, and impacting tourism.
Ecosystem Disruption – Erosion jeopardises coastal ecosystems, including beaches, wetlands, and estuaries. These habitats are critical for biodiversity, serving as breeding grounds for marine life and offering protection from storms.
Cultural Heritage Loss – Coastal erosion can lead to the destruction of culturally significant sites and artefacts, erasing the tangible and intangible heritage of coastal societies.

How can a coastal hazard assessment from Intrax Land benefit my project?

Intrax Land has fostered a deep understanding of the specific considerations of the coastal environment and is well versed at implementing sustainable strategies. With comprehensive and accurate assessments Intrax Land advises on a balanced approach recommending both flexibility in the design solutions and adjusting structures to interact to changes in the environment.

Coastal erosion is a complex and urgent challenge that demands a holistic approach. Balancing the needs of coastal communities, economies, and ecosystems requires a combination of engineering measures, ecosystem-based solutions, and policy interventions. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the importance of addressing coastal erosion cannot be overstated.

We approach these Geotechnical Engineering Challenges holistically, driven by our values and a people-oriented mindset. Ambitious projects, complex ground conditions, and innovative solutions are where we shine. Our success is rooted in meticulous preparation, innovative design, and expert implementation of ground engineering techniques. With both an established Geotechnical Drilling team and our NATA-accredited Laboratory, we minimise risk and waste through better planning, design, and construction, guaranteeing compliance with the highest industry standards.