What is the primary purpose of sea walls?

The primary purpose of sea walls is to reflect and absorb wave energy, thereby protecting the shore from erosion. These structures are typically made from concrete or stone and are built along coastlines prone to erosion from wave action. By reflecting waves back into the sea, sea walls prevent the force of the waves from directly impacting the beach or coastal land, thereby safeguarding it from erosion. Additionally, they can help create a calmer environment behind the wall, minimizing the potential for flooding and land loss during storms and high tide events.

While recreational areas, land development, and water quality improvements may be secondary benefits or considerations in certain coastal management projects, these do not define the primary function of sea walls. The main intent of these structures is to serve as a protective barrier against the erosive forces of the sea.