Nuclear Power Stations in a Warming World
Dungeness in Danger
by Dennis Leggett    

The Great Storms 1236 to 1288

By the 13th century evidence for major events abounds although local exactitude is not always possible. Figures 4 and 5, show the major changes effected in sixty years. Figure 6, provides a consensus view of the 16th century anchorage originating from those storms.

Two features shown by the maps have a direct relation to Dungeness Power Stations. One is the short period of time taken for storm damage to return the tideline from points seaward of the present coast to positions close to those of 7000 years previously. The other is the development of the gravel ness on which the Power Station is sited.

From 850 years ago historical evidence describes our variable but increasingly successful struggle with the sea. Sea-wall defences become stronger and more reliable. Reclamation advances rapidly after 1150 AD. In the twentieth century our geological knowledge improves. Now we can date the formation of the gravel ridges that have built up to provide shelter for the formation of the Marshes and to form the ness.

Storms and storm surges

Since the Great Storms in the twelve hundreds the processes of gravel bank building have continued, together with silting such as that which lost Winchelsea its port status and drove the citizens of Rye, in the 18th century, to construct a new harbour at Winchelsea Beach. The project was never completed. The speed of silting and the costs proved prohibitive.

Storms and storm surges (Appendix A ) have continued to plague the South East and Anglian coasts of England. Although flooding, through sea defence percolation or breaks, has not been as dramatic as on Anglian marshes, (Appendix B ) there have been indications of what could happen. Figure 7, shows the area under threat.

The MoD ranges and Denge Marsh just south of Lydd reputedly are increasingly prone to flooding. In 1990 violent storms brought the sea to the gates of the Dungeness A Power Station compound, and into that of the National Grid switching Station (1)

(1) Romney Marsh Survival on a Frontier. J Eddison. (See Reference list No 5)

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