Abstract
Managed realignment (MR) schemes are being implemented to compensate for the degradation of coastal habitats. However, evidence suggests that MR sites have lower biodiversity than anticipated, which has been linked to poor drainage. Despite creek networks playing an important role in enhancing site drainage in natural intertidal environments, there remains a shortage of data on the formation and evolution of creeks within MR sites. This study evaluates creek development at the Medmerry Managed Realignment Site, UK. Creek development is investigated using differential global positioning system
(dGPS) data, supported by sedimentological analyses and a high-resolution digital surface model (DSM) derived from images taken using a small unmanned aerial vehicle. Measurements indicated that creeks will develop relatively quickly, but are influenced by differences in the sub-surface sedimentological conditions. A suitable level of agreement was found between the DSM and dGPS measurements, demonstrating the appropriateness of this method to study creek development within intertidal environments at a higher resolution than traditional surveying techniques. These results are used to propose the collapse
of sub-surface piping as the primary creek formation mechanism. Findings are discussed in terms of increasing the success of MR schemes and enhancing site design to maximise the ecosystem services provided.
(dGPS) data, supported by sedimentological analyses and a high-resolution digital surface model (DSM) derived from images taken using a small unmanned aerial vehicle. Measurements indicated that creeks will develop relatively quickly, but are influenced by differences in the sub-surface sedimentological conditions. A suitable level of agreement was found between the DSM and dGPS measurements, demonstrating the appropriateness of this method to study creek development within intertidal environments at a higher resolution than traditional surveying techniques. These results are used to propose the collapse
of sub-surface piping as the primary creek formation mechanism. Findings are discussed in terms of increasing the success of MR schemes and enhancing site design to maximise the ecosystem services provided.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 16-33 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Anthropocene Coasts |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2 May 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Anthropocene Coasts, an open access journal jointly published by Canadian Science Publishing and East China Normal University. Reuse is permitted under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).Copyright © and Moral Rights are retained by the author(s) and/ or other copyright owners. A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This item cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the copyright holder(s). The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders.
Keywords
- Managed realignment
- Creeks
- Piping
- Small-unmanned aircraft system (sUAS)
- Structure-from-motion (SfM)
