Sea Walls

The provision of a static structure between the sea and the shore has throughout history been the dominant means of coastal defence. Sea walls are located on the upper shore usually at or near the high water mark since the construction of such defence is relatively easy here compared to the difficulties of establishing defences in the lower or near shore environments.

Sea walls can either reflect or absorb wave energy. The choice of which is determined by the type of construction;

Beaches fronting seawalls can be affected in a number of ways. When the beach is wide and high, the construction of the seawall often doesn't affect the beach.

Although stepped seawalls are are better at absorbing wave energy than vertical walls, they are still largely reliant upon a beach to reduce overtopping or scour and similar levels of information are required as for vertical seawall systems.
		Stepped seawall being constructed at Minehead, Somerset

One of the most amazing engineering feats in this region is the seawall protecting Isambard Kingdom Brunel's South Devon Railway built in the 1840s. The route from Exeter which follows the River Exe to Dawlish Warren, runs beneath the sea cliffs to Teignmouth, and then follows the River Teign to Newton Abbot. It follows tidal waters for about 13 miles, 4 of which are open sea.