Question

Which of the following are causes of coastal erosion? Check all that apply.

A) Beach grasses and other plants trap windblown sand.
B) Wave action carves away the coastline.
C) Groundwater under pressure is forced to Earth’s surface.
D) Artificial structures stop the natural flow of sand along the coast.
E) Underground caves collapse as bedrock is dissolved.

Answer 1

Correct answers: B, D, and E.

- B) Wave action carves away the coastline — Yes. Waves and storm surge directly erode cliffs, beaches, and bluffs.
- D) Artificial structures stop the natural flow of sand along the coast — Yes. Groins, jetties, and seawalls disrupt longshore drift, causing erosion down-drift.
- E) Underground caves collapse as bedrock is dissolved — Yes. Sea caves or dissolved karst cavities can collapse, leading to coastal retreat.

Not causes:
- A) Beach grasses and other plants trap windblown sand — No; vegetation stabilizes dunes and reduces erosion.
- C) Groundwater under pressure is forced to Earth’s surface — No; artesian springs are not a common cause of coastal erosion.