Scientists Develop “Shockingly” Simple Solution To Combat Coastal Erosion

Scitech Daily ^ | 30/8/24 | Northwestern University

[Eleutheria5]

A new method developed by Northwestern University uses electrical currents to solidify marine sand, creating durable, rock-like structures that could replace costly traditional coastal defenses like sea walls.

Researchers from Northwestern University have demonstrated that a zap of electricity can strengthen a marine coastline for generations, mitigating the rising threat of erosion in the face of rising sea levels and climate change.

In their study, recently published in Communications Earth and the Environment, the researchers took inspiration from clams, mussels, and other shell-dwelling sea life, which use dissolved minerals in seawater to build their shells. Similarly, the researchers leveraged the same naturally occurring, dissolved minerals to form a natural cement between sea-soaked grains of sand. But, instead of using metabolic energy like mollusks do, the researchers used electrical energy to spur the chemical reaction.

[wintertime]

I wonder what could go wrong with this?

Lots, probably.

[Eleutheria5]

It’ll be the next environmentalist wacko cause. Head injuries to sharks as they lunge at lunch and miss. Bang! Ow. Poor shark.