Why is the Norfolk coast eroding?

In November 2020, parts of the Norfolk Coast Path fell into the sea. A chunk of land at Happisburgh had slipped due to erosion caused by wet weather, high tides and the area’s soft cliffs, meaning walkers now had to veer inland away from the gaping hole.

What is the rate of erosion on the north Norfolk coast?

Only 18.5% of their coastline is affected by erosion. However, the same cannot be said for the north-east where 27% of the coastal length is stricken. ‘ On Happisburgh, ‘Already around 35 homes have been lost to land erosion in this area.

How fast is the Norfolk coastline eroding?

2 metres a year
The coastline is eroding at an average of 2 metres a year. There are several reasons why the coast at Happisburgh is eroding so rapidly: Rock type – the cliffs are made from less resistant boulder clay (made from sands and clays) which slumps when wet.

Is the Norfolk coast eroding?

It is likely that the Norfolk cliffs have been eroding at the present rate for about the last 5000 years, when sea level rose to within a metre or two of its present position (Clayton, 1989).

Does Norfolk have cliffs?

The north Norfolk cliffs These are basically comprised of a contorted mix of silts, sands, clays and gravels that were deposited during the glacial and interglacial phases of the last 2 million years. The cliffs provide little resistance to the aggressive action of North Sea waves, which erode the base of the cliffs.

Why does the North Norfolk coastline need to be protected?

The defences help to reduce the risk of flooding to 642 residential properties and around 3,500 caravans and holiday homes. During the December 2013 tidal surge, these flood defences helped reduce the impact of flooding.

Where is coastal erosion in Norfolk?

Along the north Norfolk coastline the cliffs are susceptible to coastal erosion. The prevention of coastal erosion is termed coast protection and is provided by Maritime District Councils such as North Norfolk District Council (NNDC).

What are Norfolk cliffs made of?

Norfolk, England The base of the cliffs consists of red-brown carstone – sandstone and pebbly sandstone which contains some feldspar and glauconite. Some of the carstone is cross-stratified. There are very occasional body fossils in this layer but the top of it is bioturbated.

Why are Hunstanton cliffs red?

The colour of the red chalk is due to iron staining. During the Cretaceous geological period, between 135 and 70 million years ago, the cliffs were under the sea, and are rich in fossils formed from the dead creatures which fell onto the seabed. Fossils are found in the chalky layers of Hunstanton cliffs.

Is Mundesley falling into the sea?

A cliff fall along the Norfolk coast was probably caused by excessive groundwater due to rainfall, according to council experts. The landslip at Mundesley occurred overnight between 8 and 9 December.

What are the rocks on the beach at Hunstanton?

The Ferriby Chalk is largely comprised of the skeletal remains of planktonic algae known as coccolithophores which accumulated to form a white ooze on the seafloor. This soft sediment was later compacted and hardened (lithified) to form chalk – a relatively soft rock itself.

Are there any cliffs in Norfolk?

The cliffs stretch between the town of Hunstanton and the neighbouring village of Old Hunstanton, and are part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.