The changing coastline at Mele Beach, Vanuatu

This article examines research work done by secondary school students on a small stretch of coastline on the tropical Pacific island of Efate, in Vanu atu. In the study area, there is clear evidence of regular short-term chang es in longshore drift and in the extent to which the river mouth is deflect ed Such changes are related to seasonal variations in the prevailing winds. In the longer term, although Efate island is being affected by tectonic up lift, it would appear that the coastline and sand-spit in the study area ar e degrading possibly as a result of recent severe tropical cyclones and of human impacts on natural beach processes.