Environmental Sciences Research Institute

Processes & Landform Studies

We examine the natural dynamics of the coastline at instantaneous to decadal timescales. Offshore, nearshore, estuarine and beach/dune environments are investigated to examine how physical processes modify contemporary coastlines.

We utilise wave refraction models of sea/ocean waves over various seafloor bathymetric configurations (natural or artificial) to gain insights into sediment dynamics and transport. These are augmented by field investigations and studies of map, photographic and documentary evidence of coastal change and associated driving forces.

Key research foci are on aeolian sediment transport, beach/nearshore and estuarine morphodynamics.

:: Aeolian sediment transport

:: Beach morphodynamics

:: Shoreface

:: Coastal evolution