Coastal Erosion or Accretion Under Sea Level Rise? Shoreface Sand Supply to Beaches in QLD.

Theme: Geography, Marine biology and ocean science

Description: Coastal erosion under rising sea levels is a pressing global concern. However, erosion is governed by more than sea level position. It is dependent on sediment flux. On many coastlines, Queensland included, substantial sediment input has offset erosion from sea level rise and led to shoreline progradation. Yet, where does this extra sediment come from? This project will focus on the dynamics of the QLD coast to determine if progradation is driven by sediment sourced from the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The results will allow for better predictions of coastal response under a future rise in sea level.

Additional Information: Preferred background is a student who is comfortable with using GIS software, coding interfaces, and/or a willingness to learn these analytical tools.

Contact: Dr Daniel Harris