Geomorphology

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

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 module introduces the basic concepts of sandy coastal systems. The role of waves and wind 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. The module is split between lectures and a set of weekly practicals, targeted at quantifying changes over time to beach-dune form.