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. A final lecture then concentrates on the role of Man in managing the coast- particularly looking at engineering structures which may influence physical process and form. 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 Aberystwyth 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.

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
beaches.
• 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.
• 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.