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Research
Our consultancy, investigation and contract sediment analysis services are underpinned by a programme of basic scientific research undertaken on behalf of government departments, non-governmental organizations and private companies. Recent projects have included:
- Assessment of the impact future climate and sea level change on coastal features and developments
- Evaluation of risk associated with ‘extreme events’
- Prediction of large-scale, long-term changes in coastal morphology
- Development of methods for prediction of environmental change within estuaries
- Assessment of potential requirements for, and limitations on, beach nourishment as a coastal management tool
- Requirements for coastal and estuarine monitoring
- Development of new and refined methods for particle size and shape analysis
- Methods of sediment fingerprinting and traceability studies relating to geographical origin of construction materials and foodstuffs
Recent clients include DEFRA, The Environment Agency, Countryside Council for Wales, the European Commission and major energy companies. For published outputs see our publications section.
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Sequence of images showing the managed retreat site at Abbotts Hall, Blackwater Estuary, Essex. Expert Geomorphological Assessment was used to
predict where saltmarsh and mudflat habitats would develop following breaching of the sea embankment (click images to enlarge)
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Investigation of variations in the rate of sea level rise at Newlyn since 1915 |
Determination of erosion rates at Formby Point using LiDAR and historical maps |
Identification of major storm events at Liverpool since 1963, and linking with dune erosion events |
Classification of beaches in Wales |
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Our coastal research covers many different habitats, including beaches, sand dunes, cliffs, shingle barriers, estuaries, saltmarshes and mudflats. |