Sedimentation and erosion on the Aquitaine coastline

With pupils in Year 10, we carried out a study of erosion and sedimentation processes on the sandy coast of Aquitaine. To understand the phenomena of erosion, the pupils took samples of sand which they then sieved. The collected sediments were then weighed at the lycée in order to study certain characteristics of sediment transport and deposition (dimensions and proportions of different sediment sizes; origin of sediments; sediment accumulation zone and impact on watercourses). They also identified recent evidence of erosion phenomena affecting the Lacanau region (erosion and retreat of the dunes) and current and future developments (construction of dykes, riprap, planting) designed to protect the coastline. This work complemented the activities carried out in class and demonstrated the fragility of the Aquitaine coastline, especially in sandy areas. It also highlighted the need to think about the developments that are essential in the current context of global warming and rising sea levels.