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Unit 1 Section D - Coastal areas are a valuable resource

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Saved by K J Hutchinson
on December 20, 2009 at 9:14:33 pm
 

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!

 

                                                          

 

 

Coastal areas can also offer plenty of opportunity for recreational uses, such as sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sea kayaking, rambling, birdwatching etc. As a result, they attract a lot of holidaymakers. Caravan and camping sites, hotels and B+Bs often thrive in coastal areas as a result.

 

How is the area around Southampton used?

 

The Port of Southampton is crucial to British Industry. 7% of all UK trade and 50% of our trade with the Middle and Far East goes through the Port of Southampton. Southampton Water has a very deep harbour, which is sheltered yet allows huge container ships to dock safely. There are good rail links from Southampton to the rest of the UK for easy onward movement of imports. Southampton is the second largest container facility in the UK and has a huge vehicle shipment terminal that handles over 750,000 vehicles a year. There are also 3 cruise terminals that handle over 200 ships per year.

 

The ExxonMobil oil refinery at Southampton is the largest oil refinery in the UK. It handles over 2000 ships  ayear, carrying 25 million tonnes of oil. Over 3000 people work at the refinery so it is a major employer in the Southampton area. The Fawley chemical plant is another major employer. It is one of the largest chemical plants in Europe, producing paints and rubber. The large, flat site next to the deep water is ideal for storing and moving raw materials as well as finished products.

 

Recreational activities in the local area include those offered at the Calshot Activity Centre (which offers a wide range of water-based activities - see link below) and the Lepe Country Park. There is also a nature reserve nearby at Keyhaven Marshes. This is run by the Hampshire WIldlife Trust. The Ocean Village Marina on the River Hamble attracts a large number of sailing enthusiasts and the nearby internationally-famous sailing resorts at Lymington and Cowes also offer sailing clubs and marinas. The local rivers attract a wide vareity of wildlife, and consequently birdwatchers and ramblers.

 

The city of Southampton is the largest city in the south of England and it hosts the regional shopping centre, WestQuay. There is also a major university which is world-renowned for research into the marine environment.

 

The map below shows some of these human activities in the Southampton area.

 

View Southampton - a multi-use coastal area in a larger map

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