At the present rate, how many years until the cliff reaches the nearest house? (Passage: Coastal erosion)
A village on a soft clay coast has lost about 1.5 metres of cliff per year for the past century. The nearest house is now 20 metres from the edge. A sea wall would cost 12 million pounds and protect the village for around fifty years, while managed retreat, moving the houses inland, would cost 7 million pounds but would require residents to leave their homes. The council notes that the sea wall would starve beaches further along the coast of sediment, accelerating erosion there.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. About 13 years
- Step 1: Divide distance by rate. Step 2. 20 / 1.5 = 13.3 years. Answer: About 13 years. Why not the others: 8 would be a rate of 2.5 m/year; 30 would be 0.67 m/year; 20 ignores the rate.
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