Coastal Landforms and Processes

This subject is designed to develop students’ understanding of the physical processes, dynamics and linkages operating within the earth’s coastal systems. The beaches, dunes, estuaries and rocky cliffs that comprise the coast are some of the most intensively utilised landscapes worldwide and Australia is no exception. Population growth, development, and climate change are pushing natural functioning systems to the brink. However, intense human impact is only a relatively recent phenomenon. Coastal landforms operate over much longer timescales than people. Beaches and dunes have natural cycles of erosion and deposition over decadal to centennial scales while cliff erosion may relate to a history developed over several hundred thousand years. It is therefore impossible to successfully manage, or simply enjoy this environment, without knowledge of how it evolved and operates. During this subject we will explore the operation and management of the key landforms found at the shore. The drivers of change on the coast, from waves and sea level to weathering and sediment, will all be analysed. The key management strategies from seawalls to nature-based infrastructure will be discussed and critiqued. Only through a thorough understanding how landforms operate can our coasts be managed for current and future generations. This subject will equip you with the skills and knowledge fundamental for a successful career in the public, private and not-for-profit environmental sectors.