Mixed Sand and Gravel and Composite Beaches and River Mouths
The close proximity of these distinct coarse-sediment coastal types has facilitated a long history of research on mixed sand and gravel and composite beaches at the University of Canterbury. Of particular interest are the mix, distribution and loss of sediments within these systems, their high-energy wave and swash processes, and interactions with fluvial environments.
Present research in this area includes:
• research on the dynamics and management of mixed sand and gravel river mouth lagoons, locally called hapua (Hart),
• investigations into cusp formation and dynamics on mixed sand and gravel beaches in high energy environments (Nolan), and
• research into the behaviour and erosion of a composite beach at Rapahoe on the West Coast (Ishikawa).
• The Department is also active in research leading to good management practices on eroding mixed sand and gravel beaches in Canterbury, Otago, Marlborough and Hawkes Bay, including work on beach nourishment, gravel extraction and littoral processes adjacent to port facilities (Todd, Single).
Staff involved
- Dr Deirdre Hart
- Derek Todd
- Dr Martin Single
- Claire Kain (MSs student)
Selected publications and theses:
- Dawe, IN (2006) Longshore Sediment Transport on a Mixed Sand and Gravel Lakeshore. PhD Thesis, University of Canterbury (Geography), 364pp.
- Hart, DE (2007) River-mouth lagoon dynamics on mixed sand and gravel barrier coasts. Journal of Coastal Research SI50: 927-931.
- Hart, DE; Marsden, I and Francis, M (2007 in press ) Coastal Systems. In : Natural History of Canterbury (3 rd edn). Canterbury University Press. 30pp
- Hart, DE and Single, MB (2004) Evolution, dynamics and management of Waikoriri Lagoon, Boldhead, Westland, New Zealand. Westland District Council Report. 23pp.
- Hemmingsen , MA (2004) Reduction of greywacke sediments on the Canterbury Bight coast, South Island , New Zealand . PhD Thesis, University of Canterbury (Geography), 323pp v1.
- Eikaas, HS and Hemmingsen, MA (2006) A GIS approach to model sediment reduction susceptibility of mixed sand and gravel beaches. Environmental Management 37: 816-825
- Ishikawa, R (2006) Beach and Nearshore Morphology at Amberley Beach , Pegasus Bay . Honours dissertation (Geography), University of Canterbury , 55pp.
- Single MB and Hemmingsen MA (2000) Mixed sand and gravel barrier beaches of South Canterbury , New Zealand . In: Packham, JR et al. (eds) Ecology and Geomorphology of Coastal Shingle. Otley : Westbury, pp261-276.
- Single, MB (2006) Timaru to Banks Peninsula coastal report : status of gravel resources and management implications. Report to Environment Canterbury: Christchurch, 7p.