Habitat change on Scotland’s coasts

Angus, S., Hansom, J. and Rennie, A. (2011) Habitat change on Scotland’s coasts. In: Marrs, S. J., Foster, S., Hendrie, C., Mackey, E. C. and Thompson, D. B. A. (eds.) The Changing Nature of Scotland. Series: The natural heritage of Scotland series (17). TSO Scotland: Edinburgh, pp. 183-198. ISBN 9780114973599

Abstract

1. Scotland has approximately 71% of Britain’s dunes (including machair) by area, 60% of sea cliff by length, 13% of saltmarsh by area and less than 5% of shingle by length. Information on lagoons is currently deficient.<p></p> 2. Coasts are dynamic habitats where change is inevitable. However, difficulties associated with establishing baseline data in terms of either length or area mean that any meaningful measurement of coastal change is challenging.<p></p> 3. We explore some of the issues and present a synopsis of the available information on key coastal habitats. We also consider recent drivers of coastal change: sea level rise; sediment deficit and human intervention in coastal systems.<p></p> 4. We argue that the need to monitor coastal change is a problem that must be addressed strategically, not only in respect of coastal habitats, but also in respect of the immense investment in settlement and infrastructure on Scotland’s coasts.<p></p>

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hansom, Dr James
• Authors: Angus, S., Hansom, J., and Rennie, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Publisher: TSO Scotland
• ISBN: 9780114973599

Related URLs

• University of Glasgow Library Catalogue