Geographical Processes
There are many human and natural causes that effect the geographical processes of the Gold Coast Coast such as, Housing and Development, Ports and Marinas, Pollution and Stormwater Run-off and finally Sand-mining. The development of sand dunes for 'prime' real estate and recreational purposes have all had negative effects on Australia's coastal areas. Some natural causes are Abrasion and Erosion. The removal of native vegetation has disrupted the natural balance and biodiversity of the Gold Coast, and has forced the environment to go into decline.
Housing and Development
Urbanisation has had a huge impact of the Gold Coast, as it is well known for its coastline it has brought many tourists from around the world to see it, along with this it has also invited the construction of infrastructure such as hotels and houses for residents as well as shopping centres and restaurants. Because of this it has out immense pressure on the environment contributing to global warming and climate change. Some contributing factors are rubbish and pollution entering water ways and ending up in the ocean and also waste management on the beaches. Poorly designed development of infrastructure can lead to erosion and this can change the coastline by creating deformities along the beaches.
Urbanisation has had a huge impact of the Gold Coast, as it is well known for its coastline it has brought many tourists from around the world to see it, along with this it has also invited the construction of infrastructure such as hotels and houses for residents as well as shopping centres and restaurants. Because of this it has out immense pressure on the environment contributing to global warming and climate change. Some contributing factors are rubbish and pollution entering water ways and ending up in the ocean and also waste management on the beaches. Poorly designed development of infrastructure can lead to erosion and this can change the coastline by creating deformities along the beaches.
Ports and Marinas
There are many ports and marinas located at the Gold Coast such as the Coomera Waters Marina and the Gold Coast City Marina. There have been many other ports and marinas been made to make travel and navigation much easier for people. This has impacted the coast as it often involves widening and deepening natural water channels through a process called 'dredging' which means to clear the seabed and/or scoop the sand and mud from the bottom and move it.
There are many ports and marinas located at the Gold Coast such as the Coomera Waters Marina and the Gold Coast City Marina. There have been many other ports and marinas been made to make travel and navigation much easier for people. This has impacted the coast as it often involves widening and deepening natural water channels through a process called 'dredging' which means to clear the seabed and/or scoop the sand and mud from the bottom and move it.
Pollution and Stormwater Run-offs Management
Pollution and Stormwater run-offs can severely damage and effect the coast. When building roads, pathways, pavements it creates a new barrier for rainwater. As it cannot naturally soak into the land it normally travels along the surface directly to the nearest river system or to the storm water drainage system which takes the water to the nearest waterway without treatment. this is dangerous because when it goes through this process it also carries various dangerous pollutants such as toxic chemicals and oils from vehicles and other pesticides, and this damages and poisons the water way.
Pollution and Stormwater run-offs can severely damage and effect the coast. When building roads, pathways, pavements it creates a new barrier for rainwater. As it cannot naturally soak into the land it normally travels along the surface directly to the nearest river system or to the storm water drainage system which takes the water to the nearest waterway without treatment. this is dangerous because when it goes through this process it also carries various dangerous pollutants such as toxic chemicals and oils from vehicles and other pesticides, and this damages and poisons the water way.
Sand Mining
There are a few beaches which are being mined for resources such as Zircon, Ilmenite and Rutile. they are also mined for beach renourishment, and this can often be very damaging and destroy many of the beaches. This process often includes the removal of native vegetation that stabilises the sand dunes. When Sand mining is practised it often weakens the coastline and can lead to erosion and longshore drift.
There are a few beaches which are being mined for resources such as Zircon, Ilmenite and Rutile. they are also mined for beach renourishment, and this can often be very damaging and destroy many of the beaches. This process often includes the removal of native vegetation that stabilises the sand dunes. When Sand mining is practised it often weakens the coastline and can lead to erosion and longshore drift.