Phillips, Michael Roberts (2008) Beach erosion and marine aggregate dredging: a question of evidence? Geographical Journal, 174 (4). pp. 332-343. ISSN 00167398
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Beach Erosion and Marine Aggregate Dredging - a Question of Evidence.pdf - Published Version Available under License CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (806kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Coastal erosion is a global problem and a major concern for European Union Member States. In the UK, marine aggregate dredging is considered by many to be responsible for coastal loss and campaigns based on the ‘precautionary principle’ have been mounted to halt extraction. Two South Wales, UK coastal areas, where critical beach loss has been associated with dredging activities, were monitored to assess morphological change. In five years of beach monitoring along the Penarth coastline (September 1997 to September 2002) and six years monitoring Port Eynon and Horton beaches (January 2001 to October 2007), no qualitative or quantitative causal link was found between marine aggregate dredging and beach erosion. Conversely, many qualitative and quantitative relationships were established between beach erosion and forcing agents such as water level, wind and waves. Results from Port Eynon and Horton showed significant temporal variations in beach level and on-shore/offshore sediment movement was seen as significant in beach formation processes. At Penarth, changing wind direction and increased easterly storms were most significant. Furthermore, there were indications of recognised causes of coastal erosion such as increased water levels, storms and anthropogenic construction. Therefore, morphological changes on a relatively short timescale can be clearly attributed to influences other than marine aggregate dredging. Potential future work includes regular monitoring and analysis of shoreline changes in areas adjacent to dredging sites together with concurrent bathymetric surveys. As well as being a strategic approach, it would address stakeholder concern and reduce conflict.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Uncontrolled Keywords: | South Wales, morphology, processes, gradients, monitoring, beach variability. |
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences |
| Divisions: | Institutes and Academies > Wales Institute for Science & Art (WISA) > Academic Discipline: Architecture & Design |
| Depositing User: | Michael Phillips |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Oct 2016 15:18 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Feb 2017 10:23 |
| URI: | https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/696 |
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