The difference between hard engineering and soft engineering in coastal management?
Question:
Answer:
Hard engineering controls are basically structures that do little to add to the landscape or ecology of the shoreline. If you have an erosion problem, a hard engineering solution would be a steel sheetpile wall. The steel is there just to prevent the erosion.
A soft engineering control adds to the ecology of the shoreline. In the erosion example, you would rebuild the shore and use plants and grades to control the erosion. Birds and other animals will move in, the plants will establish, etc. Add a few paths and benches and then people can use it as a place to walk and enjoy as well..
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