Linking short-term dynamics with the long-term evolution of a parabolic dune

Irene Delgado-Fernandez, Thomas Smyth

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

    Abstract

    Multi-scale approaches in examining the evolution of aeolian landscapes at the coast are relatively rare due to the limitations imposed by a paucity of adequate environmental data. Research efforts tend to focus on short-term, process-driven dynamics (over hours) up to medium to long-term (months to years) landscape trends, with few studies actually incorporating a range of temporal/spatial scales [1, 2, 3]. A number of benefits exist in the linking of long-term landscape change analysis to the knowledge of the processes generating them, including improved modelling approaches, enhanced understanding of how the landscape functions as well as more informed science-led management. This study presents results from a multi-temporal scale approach to understanding the growth and evolution of a parabolic dune in a coastal dune field in NW England. A combination of historical (7 decades) aerial mosaics and medium-term (decadal and yearly) analysis using DEMs of Difference (DoD) enables quantification of morphological and volumetric changes from the initial stages of the parabolic to the present day. These can be compared with long-term records of potential transport events based on analysis of wind and weather records collected from nearby meteorological stations. On-site transport data measured within the parabolic allows then for the quantification of actual transport rates at the short-term (hours). The ability to combine multi-temporal scale data provides important insights into parabolic dune mobility and growth, and facilitates the identification of primary controls on landform evolution at different temporal time-scales [4].
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusAccepted/In press - 15 Mar 2018
    EventInternational Conference on Aeolian Research - Bordeaux, France
    Duration: 25 Jun 201829 Jun 2018

    Conference

    ConferenceInternational Conference on Aeolian Research
    Country/TerritoryFrance
    CityBordeaux
    Period25/06/1829/06/18

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