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SEMINAR: Classification and morphodynamics of perched beaches

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Today's date is Friday, March 29, 2024
Classification and morphodynamics of perched beaches : SESE and Oceans Institute Seminar Other events...
Throughout the globe, beaches are underlain and fronted seaward by rock and coral landforms. In Western Australia, many of our beaches are perched on coral, limestone and granite reefs and platforms. These hardlandforms have a strong influence on cross-shore and longshore sediment transport. However, there is no definition nor classification that distinguishes these beaches as a distinct beach-type. Also, mechanisms through which coastal sediment transport interacts with these reefs are poorly understood.

In this research a classification of cross-shore and longshore rocky landforms supporting perched beaches was developed as a framework to examine the beach morphodynamics. This classification resulted in 15 cross-shore and 7 longshore morphotypes and its application was demonstrated in the UK and Western Australia at a range of scales. The second part of this research involved investigating the morphodynamics of a perched beach complex at Yanchep Lagoon in southwestern Australia. Theeffect of rock topography on small-scale/short-term and large-scale/long-term morphodynamics was quantified. Reefs with higher elevations appeared to protect the beach during erosive events, but also inhibited landward sediment transport. Overall this resulted in more erosion and slower beach recovery during low-energy conditions. Inter-annual and seasonal variability in beach volumes was greater on sections perched on reef above mean sea level, compared to sections perched on submerged reefs. The reefs also strongly influenced longshore sediment transport by trapping the littoral drift; and by generating current jets that transported eroded sediments to downdrift areas.

Speaker(s) Shari Gallop, PhD Thesis Defence, SESE/OI
Location Lecture Theatre 1, G17, Mathematics Building
Contact Lorraine Dorn <[email protected]> : 3701
Start Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:00
End Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:00
Submitted by Lorraine Dorn <[email protected]>
Last Updated Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:43
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