The UK's Nationwide Geology Club for Children

Coastal Protection at West Bay

West Bay East CliffIn week 8 of our Dig Deeper series we return to the topic of coastal defences. This time, Alan Holiday tells us about Coastal Protection at West Bay.

Found along Dorset’s impressive Jurassic Coastline just south of Bridport, West Bay is a quaint harbour resort with a fascinating geological history.

Alan explains the geology of its East and West cliffs, formed from sand, clay and Forest Marble of the Lower and Middle Jurassic periods and shows us how the harbour’s location is affected by and prone to flooding.

Alan warns us that storms Ellen and Francis this year are a stark reminder of why coastal defences are crucial to the preservation of our coastline and ongoing protection of our coastal communities.

Previously, Alan introduced us to the geology and protective measures that have been put in place at Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Swanage Bay areas, which you can catch up with in the Dig Deeper section.

PDF iconExplore Alan’s Coastal Protection at West Bay presentation now.

Author: Helen Connolly

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