The collapse of the rock in Vimarex: an inevitable event on both sides of the channel

But, for Regis Lemary, deputy representative Coastal Conservatory to NormandyTo intervene, there is no point in protesting: “The cost/benefit ratio is not favourable. The cost is huge. In any case, in places where there are no humanitarian issues, it is better to support this event, and, for example, to pursue a coastal path. We need to learn that Beach is a mobile interface. The man of the 20th century has forgotten it!”

We need to learn that Beach is a mobile interface. The man of the 20th century has forgotten!

Stéphane Costa agrees, and cites the example of the Alt-Oval sector in Dieppe’s answer. In the 1970s, there was a reinforcement placed on the rocks. ,The municipality has been in debt for forty years, but the rock is breaking again, about to collapse. So, we can decide to protect a place completely but it will be only temporary. We’re just giving ourselves time to step back.”

Coastal erosion is gaining momentum with urbanization

Coastal erosion is now catching up with urbanization that has moved a little too close to the coast, sums up the professor. Villages like Creel-sur-Mer in France are already at risk. either Happysburg, England. In 20 years, 35 houses have been submerged there.

Paradoxically, the erosion of rocks provides them with a natural protection: eroded material feeds the beaches, which protect the foot of the cliffs. ,Sediments are the best protective buffer against an attack of inflammation.” Stephen confirms Costa.

However, for a long time, astronomical amounts of sand were extracted on European shores, for construction, for roads. So it has contributed to the weakening of our coasts.

acceleration of reversal speed

But the erosion of rocks is clearly the result of a plethora of factors: runoff, intrusion, alternating solidification/melting, ocean attack on the bottom of the rocks, the development of the water table ceiling inside the rock.

And, even though this is still only a scientific hypothesis, it should intensify: “Attack from sea is believed to be the most important factor. However, it will increase with the rise in sea level due to climate change. So we imagine that the rate of retreat of the rocks will accelerate.

The resilience potential of beaches and ecosystems, we see it every day,

In the face of this, Regis Lemarie, of the Conservatoire du Littoral, would like to recall that with respect to natural spaces, forms of adaptation are possible: “The resilience potential of beaches and ecosystems, we see it every day,

This article was first published on April 16, 2021.