Coastal processes and management
The risk of coastal flooding and erosion, both in the UK and overseas, will increase as existing man-made defences (e.g. flood embankments and seawalls) deteriorate and as a result of sea level rise due to climate change. Land close to the sea is often under pressure, both from development and as a natural resource (e.g. to provide minerals and renewable energy). There are, however, constraints on public spending and a growing awareness of the need to preserve the natural coastal environment and to ensure that its management is sustainable.
It is important to understand the physical processes that have so far shaped and will continue to affect the coastline before contemplating any engineering or management works. These processes include wave generation and propagation, the movements of the tides and the resulting disturbance and transport of sediments both over the seabed and on beaches. Predicting how the coastline will continue to change, with or without man's intervention, is a fundamental requirement for planning its management.
This introductory course, relevant to engineers, coastal landowners, regulators and operating authorities; explores the history, processes and modelling of changes at the coastline. Delegates will gain practical advice that can be directly implemented into the design methods for coastal engineering and management schemes.
- Coastal management planning - An overview of the reasons for and history of changes and management of coastlines.
- Waves and tides - An introduction and the requirements for coastal management.
- Beach sediment transport/ morphology processes.
- Planning coastal management and engineering schemes - An introduction to options, appropriate methods and assessing the potential effects of such works.
Those who have just started or are about to start work on coastal management or engineering activities including engineers and managers from local authorities, coastal landowners, regulators and operating authorities.
At the end of the course participants will understand:
- the types of problems that need to be solved in coastal engineering and management;
- how wave conditions, tidal flows and levels and their joint occurrence can be evaluated;
- how coastlines of different types have evolved and are likely to change in the future;
- how alternative methods of reducing risks of erosion or flooding are planned and designed;
- issues relating to the design, performance, sustainability and effects of any type of infrastructure that needs to be engineered with knowledge of coastal processes.
Excellent and informative course. Extensive amount of information delivered over two days. Knowledgeable speakers for each topic covered.
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Sarah Moxon
