Final answer:
Management along the back of the beach includes the use of natural features like dunes and berms, often extending to areas with permanent vegetation. Dredging has been used as a coastal erosion prevention method but can cause extensive damage to the local ecosystem and economy. Proper management requires a balance between property protection and environmental preservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Management strategies along the back of the beach can vary depending on the location and environmental concerns. This area, known as the backshore, typically includes features like berms or dunes, which are crucial for providing a natural barrier against waves, especially during extreme events like high tide and storm surges. Management practices may extend as far as the landscape necessitates, often reaching areas with permanent vegetation.
One significant intervention in some regions has been dredging, where material is excavated from the beach or nearshore waters to prevent coastal erosion. However, this technique has notable downsides: it can lead to increased storm impact, damage to beach ecosystems, and destruction of marine habitats, threatening local economies reliant on fisheries and tourism.
The backshore is only exposed to waves during severe weather conditions, thus any management plan should consider the delicate balance between protecting properties and preserving sensitive beach ecosystems. The need for scientists and engineers to study wave interactions with beaches is essential for assessing threats to coastal communities and designing effective breakwater systems.