THE CONCISE EXPLANATION



My PhD research involves regular monitoring of changes in the morphology (or shape/topography) of coastal sand dunes using technology that allows me to model them in ultra-high detail - terrestrial laser scanning.  Following an intensive two-year monitoring period (which began in May 2012 and is currently ongoing), I will use this information to model current and predicated changes to coastal foredunes  on the Atlantic Irish coast.  A scientific understanding of how coastal dunes are functioning, especially in the face of climate change, will ultimately facilitate more proactive, effective, and sustainable management of these important natural sources of coastal protection.  



THE MORE ACADEMIC VERSION



Monitoring changes in beach-dune morphology is important for understanding how beaches and dunes function as a system, and how they can be most effectively managed to offer maximum protection of the coastal hinterland.  The quick, precise, and efficient method of topographic data capture associated with Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) facilitates improved monitoring of morphological changes to beaches and dunes over traditional methods, such as historical maps, aerial photographs, and two-dimensional profiles.  The primary aims of this research are: (1) to identify potential relationships between climate, sea-level, Aeolian sedimentary processes and the geomorphology of coastal foredunes at the micro- to meso- scale (2) to evaluate the importance of micro- to meso- scale process-response mechanisms related to barrier-dune behaviour on the Atlantic Irish coast and (3) to develop a monitoring framework, using terrestrial laser scanning, for identifying, quantifying, and analysing micro- to meso-scale process response mechanisms related to the evolution of coastal foredunes.  Monthly scans at two sand-dune systems in Dingle Bay, Co. Kerry (Inch and Rossbeigh) are being acquired over a period of at least two years, along with additional climate and hydrodynamic data. Quantification of volumetric change will be achieved via chronotopographic analysis of digital elevation moels (DEMs) derived from successive georeferenced TLS point clouds. This information will be used to produce high-resolution models of current and predicted change to Atlantic Irish foredunes.