Chenier (a special type of shingle beach)

A Chenier is defined as a "transgressive ridge of sand and shell overlaying a marsh surface, over which it is retreating, isolated by a mudflat or marsh on its seaward margin" (Hoyt 1969; Otvos & Price 1979). These structures are found particularly on the coast of Essex, those in the south being composed predominantly of shells, those in the north sand and gravel.

Caption: Shell shingle being deposited onshore over eroding saltmarsh, Cudmore Grove, Essex - an example of a 'chenier'

Cheniers usually lie on the seaward side of eroding saltmarshes, at the junction with tidal flats. Four main types have been recognised (Neal et al. 2002) according to their size (small or large) and whether they occur as discreet patches or long linear structures.

References

Hoyt, J.H. 1969. Chenier versus barrier, genetic and stratigraphic distinction. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 53., 299-306.

Neal, A., Richards, J. & Pye, K. 2002. Structure and development of shell cheniers in Essex, southeast England, investigated using high-frequency ground-penetrating radar. Marine Geology, 185., 435-469.

Otvos, E.G. & Price, W.A. 1979. Problems of chenier genesis and terminology - an overview. Marine Geology, 31., 251-263.