Investigation of the Long-Term Evolution of Offshore Sandbanks

Main Investigator : Prof. D E Reeve

Researcher(s) :Jose Horrillo
Research Group: Coast, Estuary and Rivers Group
Started : Oct 1, 2000
Due for completion: Sept 30, 2003

Project Synopsis

Background:

Strategic plans for the management of our coasts rely implicitly upon an understanding of the physical processes responsible for shaping coastal morphology. Predictive models used in current practice cannot forecast accurately the evolution of coastal morphology over periods of the order of planning horizons (50-70 years). The offshore sandbanks represent a major source of material and have a significant impact on the evolution of the nearby shoreline. Conversely, alterations to the shoreline may have an impact on the sandbanks which may not be visible except over a period of decades. Decisions regarding shoreline management and protection are required now although the full scientific and engineering impact of the decisions cannot be forecast accurately with existing methods.

Aims:

To establish an improved understanding of the processes important in the long-term evolution of the Great Yarmouth sandbanks and neighbouring shoreline.
To improve the knowledge of how the evolution of offshore sandbanks is.
To develop an improved method of forecasting long-term sandbanks changes that is accessible to those with a responsibility in coastal management.
To understand the conditions of how the sandbanks are form.
To use elements of data analysis, theoretical considerations of long-term morphological evolution, additional development and application of numerical tidal flow models.

Reference Materials relating to this project

None available

Last Updated : Thursday, August 7, 2003