Blog Week 13 - Matthew Babcock

Coastal Erosion in the Channel Islands

The great nation of the Channel Islands, which of course consists of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm, are located in the English Channel right off the coast of France. As we have discussed before, these islands are a very popular tourist destination due to their incredible scenery and very rich cultural history. However, something many tourists may not know about these beautiful Islands, is that they are also at a fairly high risk for coastal erosion, which poses a pretty significant threat to the environment, infrastructure, and their local economy. 

To give some brief context, coastal erosion is the natural process of wearing away of land or coastal features due to the harsh action of waves, tides, the wind, and other factors. It is obviously a more common occurrence in coastal areas, but it can be actually be worsened by human activities such as construction, dredging, and the creation of sea defense structures. The Channel Islands, with their rugged coastline and thus exposure to strong ocean currents, are particularly vulnerable to this erosion. 

The Channel Islands' geology is another factor that contributes to their risk of coastal erosion. The islands are composed of a mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocks as we have previously discussed, which have different rates of erosion. The sedimentary rocks, which are softer and more prone to erosion, make up most of the islands' coastlines. In contrast, the volcanic rocks are harder and more resistant to erosion but occur in far fewer locations. This variation in rock types means that some areas are actually a lot more vulnerable to erosion than others. 

The effects of coastal erosion on the Channel Islands are numerous and pretty severe. One of the most significant impacts is the loss of land and property. Erosion can cause wild events such as cliffs to collapse and beaches to disappear, leading to the loss of valuable real estate and infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and seawalls. In some cases from the past, entire villages and towns have been abandoned due to erosion, such as the hamlet of Petit Bot in Guernsey. The loss of land can also have a pretty severe effect on the islands' economy. Tourism is a very significant source of income for the Channel Islands, but erosion can make beaches and other attractions way less attractive to visitors. The islands' fishing industry is also at risk because of this, as erosion can damage or destroy the infrastructure, such as harbors and quays, used by fishermen. 

Another impact of coastal erosion is the potential loss of biodiversity and habitats. The coastlines of the Channel Islands support a very rich and diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and even endangered species. Erosion can destroy or alter these habitats, making it difficult for these species to survive. For example, the Jersey Tiger moth, which is a rare and protected species, is only found in a few locations on Jersey's coastline, and erosion could threaten its survival. 

There have actually been several high-profile instances of erosion affecting the Channel Islands in recent years. In 2012, a cliff collapse in Alderney caused a house to fall into the sea, and in 2016, part of a beach in Guernsey was lost due to erosion. I think that both of these incidents demonstrate the immediate and significant threat that erosion poses to the islands in the future. To begin to address the risk of coastal erosion, the Channel Islands have already implemented various measures, including beach nourishment, seawalls, and vegetation planting to help combat this destructive force and attempt to preserve the beauty of the Channel Islands that people travel from all around the world to see. 

Thanks for reading!

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters_in_the_British_Isles  

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18175986 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Islands 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-61795783 

https://mapcarta.com/Channel_Islands 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/30389409_Catastrophic_Wave_Erosion_Bristol_Channel_United_Kingdom_Impact_of_Tsunami 

Week 10 - Extreme Weather Events in the Channel Islands

Extreme Weather Events in the Channel Islands - Matthew Babcock

The Channel Islands, comprising of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm, are historically most vulnerable to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding, and storms. As I have discussed before, the islands are located in the English Channel and experience a maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. However, due to their location, they are exposed to the risks of extreme weather events that can result in significant damage and even the loss of life. One of the significant risks that the Channel Islands face is the risk of heatwaves. Heatwaves are technically defined as prolonged periods of high temperatures that can result in heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even death to humans. For example, in the summer of 2019, the Channel Islands experienced a heatwave that saw temperatures soar to over 30°C for several days. (Hot AF) The heatwave caused several heat-related illnesses, and the authorities issued warnings urging people to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. 

Flooding is another extreme weather event that poses significant risk to the Channel Islands. Due to their low-lying nature, the islands are particularly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall events. An example of this is in 2012, where the islands experienced widespread flooding that caused significant damage to properties and infrastructure. The island of Jersey, in particular, was badly hit, with several roads and buildings being washed away. The flooding also disrupted transport services, causing severe disruption to the islands' economy. 

Storms are also a significant risk to the Channel Islands. The islands are exposed to the full force of Atlantic storms, which can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. An example I found of this was in October 2014, where the islands experienced one of the worst storms on record, with winds reaching up to 80 mph. The storm caused widespread damage, with power outages, fallen trees, and flooding affecting the islands. 

Another extreme weather event that the Channel Islands are surprisingly vulnerable to is snowfall. Although rare, heavy snowfall can cause significant disruption to the islands, particularly in terms of transport services. In 2018, the islands experienced heavy snowfall that caused widespread disruption to transport services, with flights and ferries being cancelled or delayed. 

In conclusion, the British Channel Islands are exposed to various risks associated with extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding, storms, and snowfall. These events can cause significant damage to properties, infrastructure, and the islands' economy, as well as posing a threat to the health and safety of the islands' residents. Thanks for reading!

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters_in_the_British_Isles 

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/understanding-climate/uk-and-global-extreme-events-heavy-rainfall-and-floods

https://community.netweather.tv/topic/98605-storm-mathis-channel-islands/ 

https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides%2Feurope%2Funited-kingdom%2Fchannel-islands%2Fhistory-and-culture

https://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/catastrophic-extreme-weather-events-british-history/