What term is used for the technique that helps in the natural replenishment of a beach?

The term "beach nourishment" refers to the technique where sand is added to a beach in order to combat erosion and restore its natural state. This process involves borrowing sand from other locations, such as the ocean floor, and depositing it onto the beach. The primary goal of beach nourishment is to enhance the beach’s width and height, which provides increased protection against wave action and storm surges. Additionally, this technique can lead to the revitalization of coastal ecosystems by creating a more suitable habitat for various marine and coastal species.

The other options represent different coastal management strategies: dredging involves removing sediment from the seabed, which does not help in replenishing the beach itself. Jetties are structures built to influence sediment deposition and protect harbors but do not inherently replenish beach sand. Riprap, consisting of large stones placed along shorelines, is designed to stabilize the shoreline but does not contribute to natural replenishment in the way beach nourishment does. Therefore, beach nourishment specifically addresses the goal of restoring and maintaining healthy beach environments through the addition of sand.