Decadal-scale gravel beach evolution on a tectonically-uplifting coast : Wellington, New Zealand

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
This paper examines the re-establishment of a mixed sand and gravel beaches of the coast of Wellington, subsequent to an uplift event in 1855. Data of topographic profiles, aerial photographs, sediment size analyses and surveys using ground penetrating radar are presented and discussed. It is found that uplift raised the gravel beaches out of the swash zone thereby removing them from the littoral zone. Intertidal rocky reefs which occur between each embayment were also uplifted during the same event and completely interrupted the longshore transport system. Continued input of gravel material to the littoral zone allowed beaches to re-establish sequentially along the coast as each embayment was infilled with sediment. This has resulted in shoreline accretion. The ability of the shore to adjust back to its pre-uplift condition appears to be a function of the accommodation space created during uplift and the rate of sediment supply.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2012, vol. 37, n°. 11, p. 1133-1141, nombre de pages : 9, Références bibliographiques : 38 ref.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley