Slip Slidin' Away ...

The Isle of Wight is a wonderful environment for both physical and human geographical enquiry. As I ran the perimeter of the island, taking in the panoramic coastal views, I had plenty of time to contemplate the processes instrumental in shaping the landscape as well as the nature of human endeavour to control (or at least respond to) these forces; most notably, cliff collapse and mass movement.
On several occasions, I would conduct a Geography lecture in my head, outlining to myself how the landscapes within my field of vision had been formed.

Coastal Geomorphology: The Physical Story.

The Isle of Wight has lost land every year dating back to Victorian times and probably before. The island loses between one and three metres per year in some places. The last five months have been particularly devastating with regard to loss of land and property.

Coastal erosion is caused by high energy waves, heavy rainfall and weak geology (sands & clays). Primary types include landslips, mudflows, hydraulic action and abrasion, resulting in rapid cliff retreat.

Cliff slump between Yarmouth and Colwell Bay.

Erosion at the base of cliffs can more easily be slowed down or protected against with a range of coastal defence methods. Sea walls, revetments, rip-rap and gabions serve to dissipate wave energy whilst breakwaters accumulate sand, shingle and other sediment through the interruption of long-shore drift.

Rip rap defences.

Slumping at the top of cliffs is more difficult to avoid or control. An unbelievably knowledgeable resident in Bembridge explained to me the causes of cliff collapse near to his house:

"It all happened this year; heavy rainfall in the last five months has saturated the soil and rock, resulting in the upper cliff getting heavier and tilting forwards in a rotational movement (concave slip plane), leaving slump scars." 

Coastal Geomorphology: The Human Story

The settlement of Bembridge is in a precarious situation; however, in its favour is the wealthy status of the area and the strong likelihood that local residents will be well represented on agencies with influence over coastal defence plans and expenditure.

At other points during my runs, my geographical mind switched to the potential impact of cliff retreat on human communities. The stark reality is that humans are unlikely to win the battle against the sea. Countless families are at risk of losing their homes or businesses and this generates deep emotional and psychological strain. My view is that feelings of grief, anxiety and disconnection are all too often missing from national policy relating to the coast.

On a lighter note, how about a little bit of Paul Simon ...

Paul Simon - Slip Slidin' Away (Official Audio)

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Posted by David & Nobby