Lesson 1 - How are coastal areas used? A case study of Southampton

Learning objectives:

- to be able to explain why coastal areas attract so many businesses and people

- to be able to describe the range of human activities found in the Southampton area

- to be able to explain why such a range of activities were attracted to the Southampton area

The map below shows the distribution of the world's millionaire cities (cities with over a million residents) in 2006. Many of these cities are at the coast. In fact, 8 of the world's largest cities (by population) are coastal. More than 4 billion people live at the coast, and this figure is expected to rise to 5.5 million by 2020. So why do so many people live at the coast?

Coastal areas can be a very good location for industry and business where they have a port. Shipping can then be used for importing or exporting goods, allowing large quantities to be moved around in a fairly low-cost mannner. Deep harbours which allow access to even the largest vessels are very valuable for industry. If large quantities of flat land are available nearby, they are often used for warehousing to store imports/exports.

Coastal areas attract a wide range of industry and businesses and they also offer plenty of opportunities for recreational activities. As a result, they attract lots of businesses and people. If there are a range of employment opportunities in an area, it will attract workers. These workers then need other services to be provided to support their lifestyles (eg. people working in an oil refinery may want to go swimming in a local pool or use a gym; they need to buy their groceries; they may wish to eat out in restaurants, or drink in bars; they will need to buy clothes and other items etc etc) and so new businesses open to cater for them. These also need people to work in them, and these people also need shops, entertainment and services to be provided for them. As a result, the area grows. This effect is known as the positive multiplier effect.

We live in an incresingly affluent society and more and more people are now starting to buy second homes. Many of these are at the coast and this has an impact on the development of coastal areas and the kind of services that they offer. The pleasant climate and surroundings found in many locations are a real attraction for holidaymakers, which also fuels development in these areas. In addition, coastal areas have traditionally been very popular locations for people to retire to. Once a place has a reputation as offering a good quality of life for elderly residents, it will attract more of these people and the services that they need will flourish. This then boosts the area's reputation as a reitirement location still further, attracting even more people to retire to the coast!