Read the text below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1

1. Surface creep: This is the movement of sand along the ground, occurring when strong winds dislodge sand grains causing them to roll or slide along the surface.

2. Saltation: This is when sand particles are lifted into the air for short distances and then fall back to the ground due to gravity, contributing to the movement of sand.

It is crucial to stabilise wind-blown sediment to prevent erosion and loss of sand that can undermine coastal infrastructure. Stabilisation helps maintain the dunes, which act as a natural barrier against wind and water, thereby protecting the beach ecosystem and human developments.

The engineering approach being applied is soft engineering, which involves techniques such as bulldozing to reinstate dune profiles and the use of wind nets.

The text states that 'A combination of heavy machinery, bulldozers, excavators and dump trucks will be used to reinstate and profile the dunes.' This indicates a planned approach to stabilize and enhance the dune system effectively.

The proposal can be regarded as good because it aims to restore the dune system, which protects human infrastructure from erosion while also contributing to the ecological balance. This dual benefit shows foresight in addressing both environmental and community needs.