Which of the following is a soft engineering method used on coastlines?

• A. Sea wall
• B. Beach replenishment
• C. Groynes
• D. Rock armour

Answer: (B)

Soft engineering uses nature’s own processes to protect coastlines, working with sediment rather than building rigid barriers. Beach replenishment fits this approach perfectly: sand or shingle is added to the beach to replace material lost to erosion, making the beach wider. The increased width helps dissipate wave energy before it reaches the shore, reducing erosion and improving recreational space. It’s generally cheaper and less intrusive than building walls or barriers and aligns with natural sediment movement, though it’s not permanent and requires ongoing supply and maintenance. The other options are hard engineering methods that create solid structures to block or deflect waves.