SEDIMENT TRANSPORT ANALYSIS AS A COMPONENT OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT - A UK EXAMPLE

Detrimental effects of engineering works on the coast and a wish to co nserve parts of the coastline have increased realization among coastal managers of the need to examine shoreline problems and proposals for protection in a wider spatial context than the site itself and over a longer time scale than the past few years. This paper outlines the app roach taken in one region of the United Kingdom, the central south coa st of England, to provide that wider perspective. Authorities responsi ble for coastal protection and sea defenses formed a coastal group, wh ich, among other activities, commissioned research aimed at providing a greater understanding on which to base shoreline management decision s. A major project undertaken was a sediment transport study in which all existing information relating to coastal sediment processes in the region was collated and analyzed. All inputs, flows, and outputs of s ediment were documented. Links between processes were examined for eac h part of the region. Finally, nine littoral cells of sediment circula tion were identified and were suggested as forming a framework for sho reline management. The methods of compilation and analysis are outline d here and are exemplified for one area in the region. The approach is recommended as a cost-effective basis for strategic management of the coast in developed regions.