Which coastal protection type is designed to reflect and absorb wave energy during major storms?

• A. Groins
• B. Breakwater
• C. Seawalls
• D. Bulkheads

Answer: (C)

When guarding the coast, the aim is to keep waves from delivering their full force to the land. A seawall sits directly along the shoreline as a solid barrier, so it primarily reflects most of the incoming wave energy back toward the sea. Its mass and profile also help absorb some energy and reduce the impact on inland areas, especially during major storms, helping to prevent erosion and flooding behind the barrier. Groins mainly trap sand and alter sediment flow, not energy reflection. Breakwaters are placed offshore to break waves before they reach the shore, creating calm water behind them and dissipating energy there rather than reflecting it inland. Bulkheads protect shorelines from erosion along banks or rivers, but their main role is containment rather than actively reflecting wave energy.