This project aims to reconstruct the dynamics of estuary entrances over centennial to decadal timescales (past 500 years) at key sites around southeastern Australia.
This project aims to reconstruct the dynamics of estuary entrances over centennial to decadal timescales (past 500 years) at key sites around southeastern Australia. This would involve extensive field-based studies to be conducted including core collection and analysis, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating. The approach would be to detail the changes to the chosen estuary entrances over time, the timing of these changes and their mode (e.g. erosion, accretion etc.). Furthermore, the project would explore the driving processes (e.g. floods, storms, sediment budget etc.) governing these processes and reflect on the future stability of these systems in the context of projected climate change. Another aspect of the project would be detailed mapping and spatial analysis utilising the air photo record extending back to the 1950’s, recent airborne LiDAR surveys and satellite data including the Landsat and Sentinel-2 missions. This mapping would bring a more contemporary flavour to the project and contextualise the longer-term (~500 year) dynamics. Possible sites for study include Lake Illawarra, Merimbula Lake, Nambucca Heads (NSW), Lakes Entrance, Port Fairy, Glenelg River (VIC), Murray Mouth, Port Adelaide River, Coffin Bay (SA), Marion Bay, Louisa River, Bakers Beach (TAS). The sites would be chosen with several factors in mind, including data availability, access, present day management issues, and contrast in physical setting, for example mesotidal versus microtidal, high wave energy versus moderate wave energy and large river catchment versus small.
School of Science
Coastal Impact