Coastal geomorphology is similar to geomorphology, but the area of focus is on seas and oceans (Davidson-Arnott, 2010). Researches study the development and progression of the coast and how it reacts under particular conditions including sea level changes. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report in 2013 stated that sea level rise will occur in approximately 95% of the ocean area, with estimates that seas will rise between 26 and 82 cm. Therefore, we can assume it is probable that the geomorphological changes on the coast will have a profound impact on the existing landforms. In this essay, I will describe the predicted impacts on coastal geomorphology in relation to sea level rise.
Sea level rise is attributed to four main …show more content…
This is a problem specifically pinpointed in coastal areas as it increases flooding, can alter coastal ecosystems and wetland (Eggleston et al, 2013). There are of course variations due to glacial isostatic adjustment, which is when the glacial ice melted the land underneath rebounded due to the weight being lifted. This therefore means that North England and Scotland will experience less sea level rise and the South will experience more, exposing the South to enhanced rates of erosion. This is an issue because where land is sinking, there would be more exposure to erosion, henceforth changing the geomorphology in that area. Bird (1985) estimated around 70% of the world's sandy shorelines are being exposed to erosion. With the predicted sea level rise in the future, this will make extreme water levels higher and more frequent therefore causing high rates of erosion on beaches and dunes (Tebaldi, 2012). In this century we could expect to see an increase of longshore drift along major coastlines in the UK. Further along the coast, where energy levels are low and cannot carry any more sediment, there would be deposition; over time this will create new landforms such as a …show more content…
Although, it may not have any profound impact on resistant environments such as hard-rock cliffs. The erosion of the coast is only party driven by erosion. This makes it difficult to predict the impacts of coastal geomorphology, as there are so many different factors which influence the rate of erosion. Rough estimates can be made, for instance how far the cliff could be expected to retreat. However, with all predictions made about the future, we can never fully determine what will happen or occur, especially if there is uncertainty about climate change
Sea level rise is attributed to four main …show more content…
This is a problem specifically pinpointed in coastal areas as it increases flooding, can alter coastal ecosystems and wetland (Eggleston et al, 2013). There are of course variations due to glacial isostatic adjustment, which is when the glacial ice melted the land underneath rebounded due to the weight being lifted. This therefore means that North England and Scotland will experience less sea level rise and the South will experience more, exposing the South to enhanced rates of erosion. This is an issue because where land is sinking, there would be more exposure to erosion, henceforth changing the geomorphology in that area. Bird (1985) estimated around 70% of the world's sandy shorelines are being exposed to erosion. With the predicted sea level rise in the future, this will make extreme water levels higher and more frequent therefore causing high rates of erosion on beaches and dunes (Tebaldi, 2012). In this century we could expect to see an increase of longshore drift along major coastlines in the UK. Further along the coast, where energy levels are low and cannot carry any more sediment, there would be deposition; over time this will create new landforms such as a …show more content…
Although, it may not have any profound impact on resistant environments such as hard-rock cliffs. The erosion of the coast is only party driven by erosion. This makes it difficult to predict the impacts of coastal geomorphology, as there are so many different factors which influence the rate of erosion. Rough estimates can be made, for instance how far the cliff could be expected to retreat. However, with all predictions made about the future, we can never fully determine what will happen or occur, especially if there is uncertainty about climate change