2026年3月托福机经套卷(第5套) - Read an Academic Passage Q3

Coastal Erosion Solutions Coastal erosion poses a significant threat to communities worldwide, especially in low-lying and densely populated coastal zones. This natural phenomenon causes the gradual wearing away of coastlines. Human activities such as construction, sand mining, and deforestation, along with sea level rise and increased storm intensity due to climate change, exacerbate the problem. Engineers and scientists are developing innovative solutions to combat this issue and protect vulnerable areas. One popular method is beach nourishment, which involves adding sand to eroding beaches. This temporary solution can be costly and requires regular maintenance, but it helps to restore a beach's natural barrier against waves. Additionally, the installation of structures like groynes and seawalls offers another approach. Groynes are barriers built perpendicular to the coastline, trapping sand carried by longshore drift. Seawalls, on the other hand, are constructed parallel to the shore to protect the land from wave impact. Apart from structural interventions, some approaches focus on ecological solutions. Living shorelines, for instance, use native vegetation to stabilize the coast. These natural buffers absorb wave energy, reducing erosion while providing habitats for marine life. Despite their ecological benefits, living shorelines can take time to establish and may not be suitable for all areas.