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 language | English |
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Publication status | Accepted/In press - 15 Mar 2018 |
Event | International Conference on Aeolian Research - Bordeaux, France Duration: 25 Jun 2018 → 29 Jun 2018 |
Conference
Conference | International Conference on Aeolian Research |
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Country/Territory | France |
City | Bordeaux |
Period | 25/06/18 → 29/06/18 |