Virtual Field Trips
East Head
3. Groynes
Groynes are structures that extend perpendicularly from the shore. They are normally constructed in groups called groyne fields.
Aerial view of Groynes
Longshore Drift
The function of a groyne field is to trap and retain sand and shingle that is transported via longshore drift
Click Here to see Longshore Drift in Action
This material then nourishes the area of beach between the individual groynes. When a well-designed groyne field fills to capacity with sediment, longshore transport continues at about the same rate as before the groynes were built and a stable beach is maintained.
The groyne field consisted of only 23 groynes until the early 1980’s when Groyne 24 was built.
Click Here to find out more about the groyne field and its impact on the changing shape of East Head.
Groynes from the ground
Sediment Transport
The usual direction of longshore drift around the coast of Britain is from west to east. The longshore drift that approaches East Head comes from east to west.
Click here to see a diagram of the sediment
transport around East Head.
Click here to find out more about Groynes
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