definition

Rip rap is large boulders of rock that are placed along the edge of the coastline and is sometimes referred to as rock armouring. They work by dissipating the wave's energy before it reaches the coastline, therefore the erosive power of the wave is greatly decreased. Rip rap can also be used to build other structures such as sea walls, revetments or groynes
(Field Studies Council: Geography Fieldwork, Rip Rap, accessed on Sept. 2015).

Co-benefits and impacts

Rip rap can severely impede access to the beach and interrupt the movement of sediment. It is quite a cost effective way to manage the coast, but it needs to be maintained especially if supporting sediment underneath is removed by the waves
(Field Studies Council: Geography Fieldwork, Rip Rap, accessed on Sept. 2015).

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Last modified: Sept. 13, 2016, 5:33 a.m.