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The Żonqor coastline, southeast Malta, displays an exceptional range of geomorphic signatures of extreme coastal events. This paper brings together evidence acquired from a field survey, analysis of time-sequential imagery, and... more
The Żonqor coastline, southeast Malta, displays an exceptional range of geomorphic signatures of extreme coastal events. This paper brings together evidence acquired from a field survey, analysis of time-sequential imagery, and hydrodynamic modelling to investigate the histories of boulder groups identified by their intrinsic and contextual characteristics. Clear differences are revealed between the distribution of boulders recently moved and those of considerable age. Tracking the movement of boulders since 1957 confirms that storms of surprisingly frequent interval are capable of complex boulder movements, including lifting of megaclasts. Scrutiny of the ancient boulders, including weathering features and fascinating landward-facing (reverse) imbrication, cautiously suggests tsunami as the agent for their emplacement. A novel method is developed for depicting the velocity decay profiles of hypothetical waves, which overcomes some of the limitations of the Nott approach. Applied he...
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ABSTRACT
Research Interests: Human Geography and Area
ABSTRACT This presentation provides a summary of the completed Solent coastal habitat management plan and then goes on to discuss the significance of the plan and its further implications for shoreline management and coastal habitat... more
ABSTRACT This presentation provides a summary of the completed Solent coastal habitat management plan and then goes on to discuss the significance of the plan and its further implications for shoreline management and coastal habitat conservation.
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ABSTRACT This report aims to provide an analysis and interpretation of changes occurring along the beach and foreshore of the Cakeham, West Wittering and East Head frontage. It updates and extends the geographical coverage of a similar... more
ABSTRACT This report aims to provide an analysis and interpretation of changes occurring along the beach and foreshore of the Cakeham, West Wittering and East Head frontage. It updates and extends the geographical coverage of a similar previous study (Bray, 2007). It is concerned primarily with the period August 2004 to October 2009, but includes analysis of some profile data extending up to December 2009. The objectives are as follows: 1. Identify the main changes occurring to the beach and foreshore for 2006-09 covering areas defined by the Bray (2007) study, including potentially sensitive areas such as East Head spit neck and the Hinge; 2. Extend analysis to cover the Cakeham frontage (2004 – 09) including assessment of recent sand accumulation; 3. Attempt to provide explanations for the changes occurring, including estimations, where possible of likely trends for the future; 4. Comment upon potential implications for on-going and future monitoring and management at East Head, West Wittering and Cakeham. Although the brief was primarily to evaluate and report upon the beach and foreshore changes within the specified areas and time periods, likely future changes and their implications for management will be discussed where applicable.
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The paper reports on research funded by SCOPAC into preparing for the impacts of climate change. Operating Authorities need to make adequate allowances for potential impacts of climate change in future planning of land uses and defences.... more
The paper reports on research funded by SCOPAC into preparing for the impacts of climate change. Operating Authorities need to make adequate allowances for potential impacts of climate change in future planning of land uses and defences. Whilst there has been considerable research into global climate change, there is presently little practical guidance for Authorities on accounting for the impacts in defence planning, other than for relative rise in mean sea level. For the SCOPAC region on the central south coast of England, this paper reviews historical data and presents an updated analysis of sea levels, wave climates and storm events. New work to hindcast wave conditions using future scenario wind data is presented. Future ‘coastal climate change scenarios’ are developed, comprising the likely range of sea-levels, extreme water levels, wave climates, temperature and effective rainfall that can be expected over the next 100 years. The potential effects of these scenarios on coasta...
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... By contrast, the coast to the west is fringed by much smaller pocket beaches at Char-mouth, Seatown and Eype, separated by headlands and ... Within the major spatial unit (Lyme Regis-Isle of Portland), five sub-cells comprising... more
... By contrast, the coast to the west is fringed by much smaller pocket beaches at Char-mouth, Seatown and Eype, separated by headlands and ... Within the major spatial unit (Lyme Regis-Isle of Portland), five sub-cells comprising Spit-tles, Charmouth, Seatown, Eype and Chesil ...
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Chichester Harbour is a large tidal basin (31 square km) occupying an ancient stream valley system inundated by rising sea-levels over the past 9,000-8,000 years (Figure 1). It is one of three similar harbours on the northern shores of... more
Chichester Harbour is a large tidal basin (31 square km) occupying an ancient stream valley system inundated by rising sea-levels over the past 9,000-8,000 years (Figure 1). It is one of three similar harbours on the northern shores of the East Solent, the others in order westward comprise Langstone and Portsmouth Harbours. Large quantities of tidal water enter and exit the harbour with the rise and fall of the tide giving a tidal prism of 94 million m 3 (spring) and 45 million m 3 (neap). Varying thicknesses of marine sediments (3-7m) have accumulated within and flanking these channels upon which mudflats and saltmarshes have developed. The field excursion focuses on the harbour inlet and the south eastern harbour shoreline and aims to exemplify the following: 1) Interactions between the inlet and adjoining shoreline; 2) Alternative scales of change occurring within the harbour; 3) Importance of human interventions in prompting or regulating changes A summary account is provided fi...
This report aims to provide an analysis and interpretation of changes occurring along the beach and foreshore of the West Wittering and East Head frontage. It is concerned primarily with the period August 2004 to August 2006, but includes... more
This report aims to provide an analysis and interpretation of changes occurring along the beach and foreshore of the West Wittering and East Head frontage. It is concerned primarily with the period August 2004 to August 2006, but includes comparisons with earlier studies to place results within a wider spatial and temporal context. Its objectives are to: 1. Identify the main changes occurring to the beach and foreshore; 2. Attempt to provide explanations for the changes occurring, including interpretations, where possible, of the sediment transport likely to be occurring; 3. Comment upon potential implications for on-going and future monitoring and management. The brief was not to address specific management issues, but rather to apply the results of recent monitoring to extend understanding of processes and changes and provide outputs that could inform future discussions on management.
Interactions with and impacts upon the " Environment " are an important component in any consideration of the ethical dimensions of a University's activities. This paper provides a preliminary assessment of the nature of the... more
Interactions with and impacts upon the " Environment " are an important component in any consideration of the ethical dimensions of a University's activities. This paper provides a preliminary assessment of the nature of the relevant " Environment " component and of the potential implications involved in addressing those considerations. Coverage involves brief review of relevant aspects of typical University activity including those encompassed by their environmental policies as well as external contacts, teaching and learning and research. It aims to provide additional depth and detail specific to " Environment " within the more general frameworks typically set by University Ethics and Environmental policies. It addresses issues from the perspective of the environment and does not attempt to assess fully all potential conflicts with other ethical considerations or key University mission or business requirements. It was conceived to fill a major gap...
Presentation delivered at Fleet Study Group 100th Anniversary meeting Melbury House , Dorset 11.11.2010. Includes published and unpublished data. Chesil beach is a unique landform in terms of its scale, morphology and sedimentology as... more
Presentation delivered at Fleet Study Group 100th Anniversary meeting Melbury House , Dorset 11.11.2010. Includes published and unpublished data. Chesil beach is a unique landform in terms of its scale, morphology and sedimentology as well as providing protection for the Fleet Lagoon. Its characteristic features are introduced initially before proceeding to discuss the formation of the beach and the development of its unique features. It includes ideas concerning the origin of the beach and the sources of its sediments. Carr’s classic 1973 barrier transgression model is presented with some significant refinements based on more recent research concerning: (i) coastal landslides and gravel input from the west; (ii) coring within the Fleet Lagoon and (iii) ground penetrating radar investigations of the internal beach structure. Key factors and processes governing the historical changes, contemporary dynamics and future of the beach are examined. Coverage is given to waves and storms, b...
Differences between repeat beach surveys processed using DEMs and mapped on aerial Photos. Work completed by Channel Coastal Observatory.
This report aims to provide an analysis and interpretation of changes occurring along the beach and foreshore of the Cakeham, West Wittering and East Head frontage. It updates and extends the geographical coverage of a similar previous... more
This report aims to provide an analysis and interpretation of changes occurring along the beach and foreshore of the Cakeham, West Wittering and East Head frontage. It updates and extends the geographical coverage of a similar previous study (Bray, 2007). It is concerned primarily with the period August 2004 to October 2009, but includes analysis of some profile data extending up to December 2009. The objectives are as follows: 1. Identify the main changes occurring to the beach and foreshore for 2006-09 covering areas defined by the Bray (2007) study, including potentially sensitive areas such as East Head spit neck and the Hinge; 2. Extend analysis to cover the Cakeham frontage (2004 – 09) including assessment of recent sand accumulation; 3. Attempt to provide explanations for the changes occurring, including estimations, where possible of likely trends for the future; 4. Comment upon potential implications for on-going and future monitoring and management at East Head, West Witte...
An account is provided of the discussion and debate associated with the developing scientific understanding of the origin and development of the beach. It lists some of the earlier theories before going on to consider further insights and... more
An account is provided of the discussion and debate associated with the developing scientific understanding of the origin and development of the beach. It lists some of the earlier theories before going on to consider further insights and refinements achieved in recent decades allowing a sequence of evolution to be formulated. It is thought that the precursor of the present beach developed within Lyme Bay as a linear transgressive barrier under the control of rising sea-levels of the mid to late Holocene. Critically, this beach then became nourished and reinforced by gravels delivered from eroding cliffs within central Lyme Bay that drifted eastwards.
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ABSTRACT
Research Interests: Human Geography and Area
... Littoral Cell Definition and Budgets for Central Southern England Malcolm J. Bray, David J. Carter and Janet M. Hooke Department of Geography University of Portsmouth Portsmouth, P01 3HE, England ... I E ..... i~ii ~... more
... Littoral Cell Definition and Budgets for Central Southern England Malcolm J. Bray, David J. Carter and Janet M. Hooke Department of Geography University of Portsmouth Portsmouth, P01 3HE, England ... I E ..... i~ii ~ i~i~iiii~ii~iiiiiiiii~iiiiiii.....ii~~iiii .... ...
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... analysis of the worldwide literature which aimed to identify the most recent and reliable sources. ... by dividing the coastline into its constituent 'cells' (relatively self-contained sediment circulations) ...... more
... analysis of the worldwide literature which aimed to identify the most recent and reliable sources. ... by dividing the coastline into its constituent 'cells' (relatively self-contained sediment circulations) ... types according to wave ex-posure, tidal regime, beach material, beach type, back ...
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ABSTRACT
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The paper reports on research funded by SCOPAC into preparing for the impacts of climate change. Operating Authorities need to make adequate allowances for potential impacts of climate change in future planning of land uses and defences.... more
The paper reports on research funded by SCOPAC into preparing for the impacts of climate change. Operating Authorities need to make adequate allowances for potential impacts of climate change in future planning of land uses and defences. Whilst there has been considerable research into global climate change, there is presently little practical guidance for Authorities on accounting for the impacts in defence planning, other than for relative rise in mean sea level. For the SCOPAC region on the central south coast of England, this paper reviews historical data and presents an updated analysis of sea levels, wave climates and storm events. New work to hindcast wave conditions using future scenario wind data is presented. Future ‘coastal climate change scenarios’ are developed, comprising the likely range of sea-levels, extreme water levels, wave climates, temperature and effective rainfall that can be expected over the next 100 years. The potential effects of these scenarios on coasta...
This presentation provides a summary of the completed Solent coastal habitat management plan and then goes on to discuss the significance of the plan and its further implications for shoreline management and coastal habitat conservation.
The gravel barrier protecting Porlock Bay, NW Somerset has been managed since at least the mid-nineteenth Century to reduce the occurrence of tidal flooding of grazing land behind. In the early 1990s this approach was discontinued and a... more
The gravel barrier protecting Porlock Bay, NW Somerset has been managed since at least the mid-nineteenth Century to reduce the occurrence of tidal flooding of grazing land behind. In the early 1990s this approach was discontinued and a policy of non-intervention was introduced. A severe storm on 28th and 29th of October 1996 resulted in overwashing of a section of the barrier and subsequent formation of a permanent breach channel and a new intertidal lagoon. Due to the variety and scale of subsequent changes that occurred, it became important for the Environment Agency (EA) to extend their monitoring programme and develop an understanding of the evolving geomorphology of the site. This report explains the research and monitoring of physical processes and landform changes that led to, and followed, the 1996 barrier breaching. It includes the results of detailed field measurements and aerial photography undertaken between January 1999 and January 2001, together with some further obse...
To support future scientific surveys of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon and to assist potential management actions a network of coordinated permanent reference markers has been installed and surveyed precisely. The network is intended... more
To support future scientific surveys of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon and to assist potential management actions a network of coordinated permanent reference markers has been installed and surveyed precisely. The network is intended to function as a memorial to Alan Carr, the scientist who has made the most important contributions towards modern understanding of Chesil Beach. The markers are distributed as follows: a) Thirty markers located at 500m intervals along the landward margin of the beach (Fleet Lagoon shoreline); b) Four markers along the mainland shore of the Fleet; c) Six secondary markers within the boundaries of Abbotsbury Swannery. This report gives the results of a precise Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey of the markers. It describes the methods used and assesses the accuracies achieved. Detailed national grid co-ordinates and elevations are provided for each point accurate to within at least ±3cm (majority within ±2cm). A series of maps and ph...
This Volume provides the technical and detailed information on which the habitat change and creation issues discussed in Volume is based. It includes consideration of the relationship of the CHaMP with other relevant plans in the Solent... more
This Volume provides the technical and detailed information on which the habitat change and creation issues discussed in Volume is based. It includes consideration of the relationship of the CHaMP with other relevant plans in the Solent area (Section 2), the detailed information for each of the Habitat Units (Section 3), monitoring (Section 4), references (Section 5) and supporting information on the ecological interests of the CHaMP area, conservation objectives, geomorphology, habitat creation issues and monitoring (Appendices A-E).
This Volume (Volume I) of the Solent Coastal Habitat Management Plan (CHaMP) provides a summary of the key findings of the analysis and interpretation process. It sets out the background to the CHaMPs initiative and provides a brief... more
This Volume (Volume I) of the Solent Coastal Habitat Management Plan (CHaMP) provides a summary of the key findings of the analysis and interpretation process. It sets out the background to the CHaMPs initiative and provides a brief discussion of the key assumptions that have been used in determining habitat change over the 100 year period covered by this Plan. Volume II of the CHaMP provides a detailed analysis of predicted geomorphological and habitat change within the study area and it is recommended that this report is consulted for additional context and explanation of the figures and data presented in Volume I.
Provides a comprehensive compilation and assessment of sediment transport, coastal sediment budgets and shoreline changes occurring along over 600km of coastline between Start Point and Beachy Head. Involves detailed review, analysis and... more
Provides a comprehensive compilation and assessment of sediment transport, coastal sediment budgets and shoreline changes occurring along over 600km of coastline between Start Point and Beachy Head. Involves detailed review, analysis and mapping of transport pathways based on both academic and "grey" literature including public and privately commissioned consultants reports and archive material. The project was funded by three consortiums of local authorities and other bodies with statutory responsibility for coastal defence and management of shorelines. The full project outputs can be downloaded via the project website at: http://www.scopac.org.uk/sediment-transport.html
Field evidence from the Maltese Islands is presented of extreme wave activity in the central Mediterranean Sea. An extensive range of extreme wave signatures, both erosional and depositional, is here presented for the first time and... more
Field evidence from the Maltese Islands is presented of extreme wave activity in the central Mediterranean Sea. An extensive range of extreme wave signatures, both erosional and depositional, is here presented for the first time and indicates a wave attack from the NE. Existing models of runup and boulder detachment imply that the extreme wave signatures lie beyond the capabilities of storm waves. These considerations, taken together with the range of evidence available, point toward tsunami as the agency responsible, which is consistent with the evidence from Mediterranean marginal coasts opposed to the Maltese Islands. Evidence from existing boulder detachment, tsunami runup and wave velocity models suggests that tsunami with shoreline wave height of up to ∼4 m, and with local velocities of >10 ms–1 would have been required in order to form the signatures observed.
... Each of these management techniques will have different modifying impacts on the littoral sediment budget, ranging from one extreme of complete cessation of sediment supply (eg seawall used to protect a cliff toe), through to the... more
... Each of these management techniques will have different modifying impacts on the littoral sediment budget, ranging from one extreme of complete cessation of sediment supply (eg seawall used to protect a cliff toe), through to the other extreme of the addition of fresh sediment ...
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Please download the full technical report (488 pages) from the link provided. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shingle-beach-transport Project Manager and lead author: Tom Coates, HR Wallingford. Scientific and field... more
Please download the full technical report (488 pages) from the link provided. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shingle-beach-transport Project Manager and lead author: Tom Coates, HR Wallingford. Scientific and field co-ordinator: Malcolm Bray, University of Portsmouth. Effective shoreline management is dependent on understanding beach morpho-dynamics and an ability to predict both longshore and cross-shore sediment movements over time periods ranging from single storms to decades. Much of the existing scientific and engineering literature on littoral processes concentrates on sand beaches due to their international importance. Around the UK coarse grained beaches are of equal importance to sand beaches, but the ability to predict responses has been less well developed. More recent research has attempted to improve this situation through development of physics based approach to transport modelling that gives specific consideration to coarse grained transport processes. Rec...