What does beach nourishment refer to?

Beach nourishment refers to the process of adding sand to beaches and dune areas to combat erosion, enhance coastal aesthetics, and protect coastal infrastructure. This practice is a common response to the natural erosion that occurs due to wave action, wind, and storm events.

By replenishing the sand supply, beach nourishment helps maintain or improve the beach's width and health, ultimately supporting both the local ecology and recreational use. Additionally, this process not only provides immediate benefits in terms of protection against storm surges but also contributes to long-term sustainability of beach environments.

The other options do not accurately represent beach nourishment; for example, the removal of sand from shores would likely exacerbate erosion, while the restoration of vegetation is a separate ecological initiative that does not directly involve adding sand. Similarly, constructing rock barriers pertains to a different approach of coastal protection, focusing on structural solutions rather than the sand replenishment strategy of beach nourishment.