Morphodynamics of estuarine beaches in relation to estuarine processes, erosion problems and mitigation

Summary

Knowledge of present day morphodynamics is an essential tool to understand future impacts of climate change and sea level rise. We intend to understand estuarine beach morphodynamics in relation to flood-tide delta and estuarine dynamics.

Supervisor(s)

Dr Ana Vila-Concejo

Research Location

School of Geosciences

Program Type

N/A

Synopsis

Little is known about the morphodynamics of estuarine beaches and how do the respond to storm events and sea level rise. Coastal population is increasing around estuaries (i.e. Sydney Harbour, Port Stephens...) and as a consequence, the impacts of climate change and sea level rise will also increase. At the moment we are already studying estuarine beaches in Port Stephens and we plan to extend our research to beaches in other estuaries. We need to know the present day morphodynamics of estuarine beaches in order to quantify future impacts of sea level rise that will allow coastal managers to put mitigation plans in place. Our studies take into account not only the subaerial part of the beach but also the configuration of the estuary, with currents and waves being propagated over the flood-tide delta and the mud basin.

Additional Information

• More details about current work can be found here.
• This opportunity is open to PhD, MSc and Hons students.
• Research involves fieldwork.

Keywords

coastal processes, coastal environments, beach morphodynamics, estuaries, flood-tide delta, sediment transport, coastal hydrodynamics, geology, Geography

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 643