Experts hail 'breakthrough' university study in coastal river and sea flooding

This is Cornwall via the Western Morning News (UK): The threat of flooding in coastal areas could be dramatically reduced by a new discovery. Scientists at the University of Plymouth have analysed the way waves hit different types of beach materials, finding some surfaces respond differently in dissipating the strength of the sea.

They believe the findings from the three-year study could provide a breakthrough in protecting coastal towns from severe damage in the future without damaging the local environment. Dominic Reeve, professor of Coastal Dynamics at the university, said: "Protecting our coastline against the forces of nature is a hugely complex problem, but this research has the potential to help local councils manage beaches more effectively for the next 100 years".

The research found areas with shingle beach are most protected from the effects of flooding, whereas stretches of fine golden sand are most susceptible to being overrun during poor weather conditions. Parts of the Westcountry, including South Devon, are susceptible to coastal flooding, with areas such as Dawlish and Sidmouth already suffering while other places, such as Dartmouth, are being highlighted as potential problem areas for the future. The short- term disruption and long-term costs can be considerable.

The Environment Agency's Flooding in England report states as many as 65,000 buildings in Devon and Cornwall are at risk from river and sea flooding, with this risk considered "significant" for nearly half of these. Meanwhile the increase in flooding over recent years suggests climate change is having a considerable effect and it is widely understood more measures need to be taken to provide a solution….

Westcombe beach on the South Devon coast looking westwards, shot by Herbythyme, Wikimedia Commons, under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported