BS23610 - COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS

Module Identifier	BS23610
Module Title	COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Mr Robert Collin
Semester	Semester 2
Course delivery	Lecture	16 Hours
	Field Work	Two field half-days
Assessment	Supplementary examination	2 Hours One 2-hour theory examination - 2 questions from 4	100%
	Exam	2 Hours One 2-hour theory examination - 2 questions from 4	100%

Aims and objectives

This largely lecture-based module aims to introduce the physical processes operating at the coast and the range of landforms that result, as a vital background for biological or other specialists undertaking studies within the coastal zone. Lectures are initially focussed on basic energy inputs, but continue by dealing systematically with the various types of depositional and erosional features to be found in a range of coastal and estuarine sub-environments. Two further lectures then concentrate on the role of Man in managing the coast- variously looking at engineering structures which may influence physical process and form and at the role of conservation in a coastal dune system. A supplementary handbook is provided outlining data acquisition and measurement methods appropriate to specialist investigations in coastal environments.

The course concludes with two field half-days in the local area, one appraising the beaches of Aberystywth and the other looking at the management of the Ynyslas coastal dune system.

The introductory nature of this module is regarded as being highly suitable for both biological and physical scientists.

Content

The module sessions cover the following topics:

Introduction. Inheritance. Energy inputs. Waves and wave currents.
Tide raising forces. Tidal systems.
Sediment characteristics. Sediment movement.
Depositional features. Minor forms. Shoreline beaches. Detached

Erosional features. Cliffs. Shore platforms.
Estuaries. Tidal landforms. Marshes.
Aeolian processes and forms. Vegetated dunes.
Direct observation of coastal process and form. Historical reconstruction of coastal form.
Coastal management: Engineering considerations.
Coastal management: Conservation.
HALF-DAY FIELD VISIT: The Aberystwyth beaches and coastal forms. Historical aspects of management.
HALF-DAY FIELD VISIT: Ynyslas Dunes. Process and form. Conservation and management issues.

The course concludes with two field half-days in the local area, one appraising the beaches of Aberystwyth and the other looking at the management of the Ynyslas coastal dune system.

Learning outcomes

On the completion of this module students will

have a sound knowledge of the fundamental energy inputs to coastal processes
have an appreciation of the diversity of landforms to be found around the British coastline
be apprised of data sources that can be utilised in coastal investigations
have an awareness of the role of Man in attempting to control or manage parts of the coastal zone

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Barnes. (1990) Coasts.
Pethick, J.. (1984) An Introduction to coastal geomorphology.. London: Arnold
Bird, E.C.F.. (2001) Coastal geomorphology: An introduction.. Wiley & Sons