Seawalls and other hard structures are primarily designed to protect coastal areas from erosion by waves and currents.

Seawalls and other hard structures work by reflecting wave energy away from the shoreline, preventing it from eroding the coast.

Seawalls and other hard structures can have several negative impacts on coastal ecosystems, including habitat loss for marine life, disruption of sediment transport, and increased erosion in adjacent areas.

Breakwaters are not typically considered hard structures in the context of coastal erosion management. They are floating structures designed to reduce wave energy and protect harbors and marinas.

Groynes are designed to trap sediment and build up the beach, helping to protect the shoreline from erosion.

Cost-effectiveness is not typically considered a primary factor when evaluating the effectiveness of seawalls and other hard structures in coastal erosion management.

Flanking effects refer to the process by which seawalls and other hard structures can accelerate erosion in adjacent areas due to changes in wave patterns and sediment transport.

Seawalls and other hard structures typically do not increase sediment supply, which is a natural process influenced by factors such as riverine inputs and longshore transport.

Overtopping refers to the process by which waves exceed the height of a seawall or other hard structure and flow over it.

Sandbags are not typically used in the construction of permanent seawalls and other hard structures due to their temporary nature and susceptibility to damage from waves and storms.

Scour protection is designed to prevent erosion around the base of seawalls and other hard structures, which can undermine their stability.

Gabion seawalls are not a common type of seawall. They are typically used in riverbank stabilization and other inland applications.

Erosion refers to the process by which waves erode the beach in front of a seawall or other hard structure, leading to a loss of sediment and a decrease in beach width.

Sea level rise is not typically associated with improved habitat for marine life in the context of seawalls and other hard structures.

Vegetation is primarily used in the context of seawalls and other hard structures to stabilize the shoreline and reduce erosion.