Rannikkorakenteet

Rannikkorakenteet refer to artificial structures built along coastlines. These structures are primarily constructed to protect shorelines from erosion caused by wave action, currents, and storm surges. They can also be built to facilitate port activities, create new land, or manage water levels.

Common types of rannikkorakenteet include seawalls, breakwaters, groynes, and revetments. Seawalls are vertical or near-vertical structures built parallel to the shore to absorb and reflect wave energy. Breakwaters are structures built offshore, perpendicular or parallel to the coast, designed to reduce wave energy reaching the shore by creating a sheltered area. Groynes are structures built perpendicular to the shoreline, extending into the sea, to trap sand and prevent longshore drift, thereby widening the beach. Revetments are sloping structures, often made of rock or concrete, placed against a bank or cliff to protect it from erosion.

The design and construction of rannikkorakenteet depend on various factors, including the local geological conditions, the intensity of wave action, the type of sediment, and the intended purpose of the structure. Environmental impact assessments are often conducted to evaluate the potential effects of these structures on coastal ecosystems, marine life, and sediment transport patterns. While effective in shore protection, poorly designed or located rannikkorakenteet can sometimes exacerbate erosion in adjacent areas or negatively impact natural coastal processes.