Golspie Dunes: Coastal Erosion Options Appraisal

Hansom, J.D. and Fitton, J.M. (2013) Golspie Dunes: Coastal Erosion Options Appraisal. Project Report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness.

Abstract

SNH commissioned the University of Glasgow to investigate the historical and recent changes to the Golspie dunes. The Options Appraisal outlines the potential impacts of various approaches on the adjacent coast and designates sites. Over the last 134 years, the upper beach (MHWS) in the northern section has eroded at an average rate of up to 0.5m/yr and the southern section has retreated at an average rate up to 1.5m/yr. The Golspie dunes are experiencing coastal erosion partly as a function of natural factors such as storm waves, sea level rise and reduction in natural coastal sediment supply but also as a result of coastal erosion protection measures emplaced to the north which have reduced the southward supply of sediment to the coast. The authors' recommendations centre on a beach recharge scheme to reinstate a natural gravel beach ridge targeted on the key areas at risk from erosion and wave over wash leading to flooding.

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
• Additional Information: Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 635
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hansom, Dr James
• Authors: Hansom, J.D., and Fitton, J.M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Publisher: Scottish Natural Heritage