121-071 Coastal Geomorphology

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

121-018 Geomorphology or equivalent as approved by subject coordinator.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject examines the development of coastal landforms and the processes responsible for change in the coastal zone. The processes discussed include: waves, currents, tides, and changing sea levels. The coastal landforms discussed include: beaches, estuaries, dunes, coral reefs, and rocky coasts. Students will also examine issues of coastal management. A theoretical understanding is developed through examining conceptual models of coastal development and behaviour. By the end of the subject students should have an appreciation of the dynamism of the coastal zone and an understanding of its physical workings and be able to measure processes and change in the coastal environment.

Assessment

A written assignment of 2500 words, and a 1.5-hour examination. Students must attend 80% of the laboratory classes and the field trip to be eligible to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts

• P D Komar, Beach Processes and Sedimentation. (2nd ed) Prentice Hall 1998.
• J Pethick, An Introduction to Coastal Geomorphology. Edward Arnold 1984.