Coastal Dynamics

Course Description

The Course

The coastal zone exists at the interface of land, sea and atmosphere, making it a highly complex environment. Only through improved understanding of the processes operating in this zone can we hope to understand and manage this valuable resource in a sustainable manner. This course introduces the basic concepts of coastal science. The role of waves, wind and sea-level in shaping the coast are explored. Conversely, the shape of coastal landforms affects these processes; this interaction between process and form is considered within a morphodynamic framework.

Topics covered

Introduction to Course, Coastal systems, Wave processes, Sediments, Shoreface, Nearshore-Zone, Aeolian processes, Beaches, Coastal Dunes, Tidal processes, Beach dune ecology and Beach dune management

Assessment

Continuous Assessment 100%

CA will involve practical work, a class test and an essay. The practical work is centred on field work.

Core Texts

Haslett, S. K. (2008). Coastal Systems. London, Routledge. Woodrooffe, C. D. (2003). Coasts: Form, process and evolution. Cambridge, University Press

Masselink, G. and Hughes, M. (2003). Coastal Processes and Geomorphology. London, Hodder Arnold.

Additional Texts

Carter, R. W. G. (1988). Coastal Environments. London, Academic Press.
Davis Jr., R. and Fitzgerald D. (2004) Beaches and Coasts. Oxford, Blackwell.