Geomorphic survey and monitoring

At some sites it will be important to measure shore mobility. This is best carried out using a series of fixed transects placed across the shoreline. These can be resurveyed at intervals using a dumpy level or theodolite. Ideally a useful body of data can be amassed by surveying monthly but even an annual monitoring of change is helpful for defining management objectives.
The value of ground-penetrating radar in the geomorphic study of coastal shingle structures has been highlighted (Neal et al. 2001) . These techniques avoid the cost and damage of excavation and increase the historic knowledge of shingle structures, which is so significant in prediction.

References

Neal, A., Dackombe, V. & Roberts, C.L. 2001. Applications of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to the study of coarse clastic (shingle) coastal structures. In: Ecology & Geomorphology of Coastal Shingle, eds.Packham, J.R., Randall, R.E., Barnes, R.S.K. & Neal, A.Westbury Academic and Scientific Publishing, 77-106.