Which of the following is an example of a hard engineering coastal defense method?

• A. Beach replenishment
• B. Sea wall
• C. Dune regeneration
• D. Managed retreat

Answer: (B)

Hard engineering coastal defense methods involve building fixed structures to control wave action and protect land. A sea wall is a solid barrier placed along the shoreline to absorb and reflect waves, reducing wave impact inland and preventing erosion and flooding. Because it is a constructed, long-lasting structure designed to withstand direct forces from the sea, it clearly fits hard engineering.

By contrast, beach replenishment adds sand to the beach to widen it (soft engineering), dune regeneration uses vegetation to rebuild natural dunes (soft), and managed retreat allows the coastline to move inland rather than defend it (soft). These rely more on natural processes or changes in land use rather than fixed barriers.