Geomorphology & Coastal Dynamics

At the University of Edinburgh, researchers are investigating the geomorphology and dynamics of coastal areas.

The coastal zone is one of the most dynamic and high energy systems on Earth, where wind, waves and tides interact to cause geophysical changes. Coastal geomorphology is an applied science which focuses on coastal areas to observe, investigate, and classify water-shore interactions, such as erosion, sedimentation, or sea-level rise. 

 

Investigating the topography, morphology, and evolution of coastal ecosystems:

Image of masters students by the shoreline.
MSc students on a fieldtrip to the coastal village of St Abbs.

 

At the University of Edinburgh, researchers are investigating the geomorphology and dynamics of coastal areas, as well as the impacts and implications for those who live there.

 

Coastal geomorphological research at the University of Edinburgh is predominantly carried out by the Land Surface Dynamics Group at the School of GeoSciences. The group investigates a range of coastal dynamics, including:  

 

 

 

The outside of St Abbs Marine Station in St Abbs Scotland.
The outside of St Abbs Marine Station in St Abbs Scotland. Image credit: Alex Ingle.

 

Predicting coastal erosion from satellite data:

 

Coastal and Environmental Remote Sensing group (CEReS)

 

Predicted sea-level rise and erosion pose imminent threats to some coastal communities. With an estimated 40% of the world’s population living within 100 km of the coastline, better information on coastal changes and access to real-time data is important. 

 

Through a collaboration with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), and British Geological Survey,  CEReS based at the School of Engineering is researching coastal changes using satellite data. With the availability of high-resolution satellite imagery, the ability to monitor the coastline on a more regular basis can be achieved. 

 

 

 

 

 

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