What are natural barriers in coastal protection?

Natural barriers in coastal protection refer to landforms that act as buffers against processes like erosion and storm surges. These landforms, such as beaches, sand dunes, mangroves, and coral reefs, provide essential protective functions.

For example, beaches can absorb wave energy, reducing the impact on the shoreline. Dunes serve as a first line of defense against storm surges and strong winds, while mangroves stabilize coastlines and reduce the velocity of waves, providing habitat for various marine species. Coral reefs, on the other hand, break the force of incoming waves, preventing coastal erosion and protecting inland areas.

This natural form of coastal defense is integral to preserving coastal ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. It differs significantly from artificial structures, which are constructed by humans, and strategies aimed at forecasting rather than mitigating the physical impacts of coastal processes.