What effect does coastal development have on natural processes?

Coastal development can significantly interfere with natural processes of erosion and deposition. When structures such as sea walls, groynes, and jetties are built along coastlines, they alter the natural movement of sediment and the dynamics of wave action. For example, a sea wall may protect an area from erosion in the short term, but can also disrupt the supply of sediment that would normally move along the coast, leading to increased erosion in other areas. Similarly, groynes can trap sand and cause accretion on one side, while leading to increased erosion on the opposite side.

Understanding this interference is crucial, as it can lead to unanticipated environmental changes and long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems. Other aspects such as enhancing wave action or reducing sea levels do not accurately reflect the commonly observed effects of coastal development. Coastal development does not lead to significant reductions in sea levels, nor does it typically encourage the growth of marine species; in fact, it can often have detrimental effects on local habitats.